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IDE Integration

Claude Code works alongside your existing editor setup. Whether you use VS Code, a JetBrains IDE, or a plain terminal, there are ways to make the integration smooth and productive.

VS Code Extension

The official Claude Code extension for VS Code provides an integrated chat panel and direct access to Claude from your editor.

Installation

  1. Open VS Code and go to the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X).
  2. Search for "Claude Code" and install the extension from Anthropic.
  3. The extension uses your existing Claude Code CLI authentication — no separate login needed.

Key Features

  • Inline chat panel — Talk to Claude without leaving your editor.
  • File context — The extension automatically includes your current file and selection as context.
  • Terminal integration — Claude Code commands run in the VS Code integrated terminal.
  • Diff view — Proposed changes appear as diffs you can accept or reject inline.
  • Status bar — Shows current Claude Code status and token usage.

Tips for VS Code

  • Use Ctrl+L (or Cmd+L on Mac) to open the Claude panel quickly.
  • Select code before opening Claude to automatically include it as context.
  • Use the "Apply" button on code suggestions to apply them directly to your file.
  • The terminal panel shows full Claude Code output for debugging.
  • Pin the Claude panel to the secondary sidebar to keep it visible alongside your file explorer.

JetBrains Plugin

Claude Code integrates with IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, and other JetBrains IDEs.

Installation

  1. Open Settings > Plugins > Marketplace.
  2. Search for "Claude Code" and install.
  3. Restart the IDE when prompted.

Key Features

  • Tool window — A dedicated Claude Code panel in the IDE.
  • Context awareness — Sends your current file, project structure, and selection to Claude.
  • Action integration — Access Claude from the right-click context menu or via keyboard shortcuts.
  • Terminal support — Claude Code CLI runs in the built-in terminal.

Tips for JetBrains

  • Assign a keyboard shortcut to the Claude Code action for quick access.
  • Use the "Explain this code" context menu action for unfamiliar code sections.
  • The plugin respects your project's claude_internal/settings.json configuration.
  • JetBrains' built-in diff viewer works well with Claude's proposed changes.

Terminal Integration

Claude Code is a CLI tool at its core. You can use it effectively from any terminal.

Setup

```bash

Install globally

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Run in your project directory

cd your-project claude ```

Terminal Multiplexer Workflows

For power users, combining Claude Code with tmux or a similar multiplexer is highly effective:

  • Split panes — Run Claude in one pane and your normal terminal in another.
  • Session persistence — Detach and reattach without losing your Claude session.
  • Multiple agents — Run separate Claude instances in different panes for parallel work.

```bash

Example tmux layout

tmux new-session -s dev

Pane 1: Claude Code

Pane 2: git, build commands

Pane 3: test runner

```

Integration with Other Editors

For Vim, Emacs, or other editors:

  • Run Claude Code in a separate terminal alongside your editor.
  • Use Claude to make edits, then reload files in your editor (:e! in Vim, revert-buffer in Emacs).
  • Configure your editor to auto-reload changed files for a smoother experience.

General Tips Across All IDEs

  • Let Claude read, you review. Claude makes changes via its tools. Your IDE shows the results. Use your editor's diff and history features to review what changed.
  • Use source control. Always have uncommitted changes visible in your IDE's git panel so you can review Claude's edits before committing.
  • Configure auto-save carefully. If your IDE auto-saves, Claude's edits take effect immediately. Disable auto-save or use git to maintain a safety net.
  • Leverage IDE navigation. After Claude makes changes, use "Go to Definition," "Find References," and other IDE features to verify the changes are correct.
  • Keep your terminal visible. Even when using an IDE extension, the terminal output from Claude Code provides useful details about what tools were called and what happened.

Combining Claude Code with IDE Features

The most productive workflow uses both Claude Code and your IDE's built-in features:

Task Best Tool
Writing new code Claude Code
Reviewing changes IDE diff view
Navigating code IDE (Go to Definition, etc.)
Running tests Either — Claude can run and interpret; IDE gives visual feedback
Debugging IDE debugger + Claude for analysis
Refactoring (simple) IDE refactoring tools
Refactoring (complex) Claude Code
Git operations Either — Claude for complex, IDE for visual staging

See Also

  • Getting Started — Installing and configuring Claude Code
  • Context Management — Managing context effectively in IDE panels
  • Hooks — Auto-formatting and linting alongside IDE features
  • MCP Servers — Adding tools that work across all IDE setups