Claude Code Setup: Documentation & Troubleshooting Guide

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Hey guys! This comprehensive guide dives into setting up and troubleshooting Claude Code, ensuring you have a smooth experience. We'll cover everything from installation commands to restoring from a Mac, so let's jump right in!

1. Installation Commands

First off, let's talk installation. Getting Claude Code up and running involves a few key commands, and it's crucial to get these right to avoid hiccups down the road. Make sure you have the necessary prerequisites installed, such as Python and pip, before proceeding. The specific commands might vary slightly depending on your operating system, but here’s a general outline to get you started:

  1. Clone the Repository: Start by cloning the Claude Code repository from its source. Use the git clone command followed by the repository URL. This downloads all the necessary files to your local machine. For example:

    git clone <repository_url>

  2. Navigate to the Directory: Once the repository is cloned, navigate into the newly created directory using the cd command. This puts you in the right location to execute the setup scripts.

    cd <repository_directory>

  3. Install Dependencies: Next, you’ll need to install the required dependencies. This is typically done using pip, the Python package installer. A requirements.txt file in the repository usually lists these dependencies. Use the following command:

    pip install -r requirements.txt

  4. Run Setup Script: Finally, run the setup script. This script configures the environment and sets up Claude Code. The script name might vary, but it’s often called setup.sh or install.sh. Make sure to execute it with the necessary permissions:

    bash setup.sh

    or

    ./install.sh

It’s essential to pay close attention to the output of these commands. Any errors or warnings should be addressed immediately to ensure a successful installation. Double-check the command syntax and make sure all dependencies are correctly installed. Keeping your system updated and compatible with Claude Code’s requirements is also key. If you encounter persistent issues, the troubleshooting section below might offer some insights. Remember, a solid installation foundation sets the stage for a smooth and efficient experience with Claude Code.

2. Config File Locations

Alright, let's dive into config file locations. Knowing where these files are stored and how they're structured is super important for customizing Claude Code to fit your specific needs. Think of these config files as the control panel for your setup – they dictate how Claude Code behaves and interacts with your system. Typically, these files are stored in a designated directory within the Claude Code installation, or sometimes in your user’s home directory for system-wide configurations.

Common locations to check include:

  • Installation Directory: Often, configuration files reside in a config or conf subdirectory within the main Claude Code installation. This is a logical place, as it keeps everything related to the application neatly organized.
  • User Home Directory: Some applications store config files in the user's home directory, often in a hidden folder (folders prefixed with a . on Unix-like systems). Look for directories like .claude_code, .config/claude_code, or similar.
  • System-wide Configuration: For configurations that apply to all users, the files might be in system-level directories such as /etc/claude_code or /opt/claude_code/config. However, modifying these often requires administrative privileges.

The config files themselves usually come in various formats, with YAML (.yaml or .yml) and JSON (.json) being the most common. These formats are human-readable and easy to edit. YAML uses indentation to define structure, while JSON uses key-value pairs within curly braces and square brackets. Other formats like .ini or .conf might also be used, depending on the application's design.

Inside these files, you’ll find settings that control various aspects of Claude Code, such as API keys, database connections, logging preferences, and feature toggles. It's crucial to understand what each setting does before making changes. Incorrect configurations can lead to unexpected behavior or even break the application.

Before you start tweaking, it’s a good practice to back up the original config files. This way, if something goes wrong, you can always revert to the working state. Simply copy the files to a safe location before you edit them.

When editing, use a good text editor or IDE that supports syntax highlighting for the specific file format. This makes it easier to read and reduces the chances of making mistakes. Always double-check your changes for typos or syntax errors before saving. Many applications will also perform basic validation of the config files when they’re loaded, but it’s still better to be proactive.

3. How to Re-sync from Mac (Restore Script Usage)

Now, let's tackle re-syncing from a Mac, particularly the restore script usage. This is a critical skill, especially if you're juggling code across multiple machines or recovering from a mishap. Re-syncing ensures your local Claude Code environment matches the state on your Mac, keeping your projects consistent and preventing headaches.

The first thing to understand is the purpose of a restore script. In our context, a restore script is essentially a set of instructions, often written in Bash or Python, that automates the process of pulling the latest changes and configurations from your Mac to your current environment. This might involve:

  • Fetching the Latest Code: The script will likely use git pull to download the newest version of your Claude Code repository.
  • Copying Configuration Files: It might also copy over configuration files from your Mac, ensuring your settings are up-to-date.
  • Running Database Migrations: If your project involves a database, the script might run migrations to bring your database schema in sync.
  • Installing Dependencies: If any new dependencies have been added on your Mac, the script will install them in your current environment.

Before running any restore script, make sure you have a backup of your current environment. This is a safety net in case something goes wrong during the re-sync process. You can simply create a copy of your Claude Code directory or use a more sophisticated backup tool.

The specific steps to use the restore script will depend on how it's designed, but here’s a general outline:

  1. Locate the Script: The restore script might be located in your Claude Code repository, perhaps in a scripts or utils directory. It might be named something like restore.sh, resync.py, or similar.

  2. Make it Executable: If the script is a Bash script (e.g., restore.sh), you might need to make it executable using the chmod command:

    chmod +x restore.sh

  3. Run the Script: Execute the script from your terminal. This might involve running the script directly:

    ./restore.sh

    Or, if it's a Python script:

    python resync.py

  4. Follow the Instructions: The script might prompt you for information, such as your Mac's IP address or credentials. Follow the instructions carefully.

  5. Verify the Re-sync: Once the script has finished running, verify that your environment is correctly re-synced. Check the code, configuration files, and database to ensure everything is up-to-date.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, let's talk troubleshooting common issues. No matter how carefully you set things up, you're bound to run into a snag or two. Knowing how to diagnose and fix these problems can save you a lot of time and frustration. Here are some common issues you might encounter with Claude Code, along with potential solutions:

  • Installation Errors:
    • Problem: Errors during the installation process, such as missing dependencies or failed script executions.
    • Solution: Double-check that you've met all the prerequisites, like having Python and pip installed. Ensure you're using the correct versions of these tools. Carefully read the error messages – they often provide clues about what went wrong. Try installing dependencies one by one to pinpoint the issue. Search online forums and documentation for specific error messages; chances are, someone else has encountered the same problem.
  • Configuration Issues:
    • Problem: Claude Code isn't behaving as expected, or certain features aren't working.
    • Solution: Review your configuration files. Make sure you've entered the correct values for settings like API keys, database connections, and file paths. Check for typos or syntax errors in the configuration files (YAML and JSON are particularly sensitive to formatting). Use a validator tool to ensure your configuration files are valid. Restart Claude Code after making changes to the configuration files for the changes to take effect.
  • Connectivity Problems:
    • Problem: Claude Code can't connect to external services or databases.
    • Solution: Verify your network connection. Check that you can reach the external services or databases from your current environment. Ensure that firewalls aren't blocking the connections. Check your proxy settings if you're behind a proxy server. Use tools like ping and traceroute to diagnose network issues.
  • Version Conflicts:
    • Problem: Claude Code isn't compatible with the versions of its dependencies.
    • Solution: Check the documentation for Claude Code to see which versions of its dependencies are supported. Use a virtual environment to isolate Claude Code's dependencies from other projects. Upgrade or downgrade dependencies as needed to match the supported versions. Use tools like pip freeze to list installed packages and their versions.
  • Performance Issues:
    • Problem: Claude Code is running slowly or consuming excessive resources.
    • Solution: Monitor resource usage (CPU, memory, disk I/O) to identify bottlenecks. Optimize your code and database queries for performance. Consider caching frequently accessed data. Scale your infrastructure if necessary. Profile your code to identify performance hotspots.

When troubleshooting, start by isolating the problem. Try to narrow down the scope of the issue. Are you seeing errors in a specific component or feature? Can you reproduce the problem consistently? Once you've identified the root cause, you can focus on finding a solution.

5. MCP Server List and Status

Alright, let's get into the MCP server list and status. For those not in the know, MCP typically stands for Management Control Plane, and it's a critical component in many distributed systems. Think of it as the nerve center, responsible for managing and coordinating the various parts of your Claude Code setup. Knowing the servers in your MCP and their status is essential for ensuring everything runs smoothly.

A MCP server list is essentially a directory of all the servers that make up the Management Control Plane. This list might include information such as:

  • Server Hostnames or IP Addresses: The unique identifiers for each server.
  • Roles or Functions: What each server is responsible for (e.g., database management, API gateway, message queue).
  • Current Status: Whether the server is online, offline, healthy, or experiencing issues.
  • Software Versions: The versions of the software running on each server.

This list might be stored in a configuration file, a database, or a dedicated management system. The exact location depends on your Claude Code's architecture.

Checking the status of your MCP servers is crucial for proactive monitoring and maintenance. You want to know if any servers are down or experiencing performance issues before they impact your overall system. Common status indicators include:

  • Online/Offline: Whether the server is reachable and running.
  • Health Checks: Results of automated tests that verify the server's functionality.
  • Resource Usage: Metrics like CPU utilization, memory usage, and disk I/O.
  • Error Logs: Records of any errors or warnings generated by the server.

You can use various tools and techniques to monitor MCP server status. Some common approaches include:

  • Command-line Tools: Tools like ping, ssh, and curl can be used to check basic connectivity and server responsiveness.
  • Monitoring Systems: Dedicated monitoring systems like Prometheus, Grafana, Nagios, or Zabbix can provide comprehensive status information and alerts.
  • Log Aggregation: Tools like Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK stack) can aggregate logs from multiple servers, making it easier to identify issues.
  • Custom Scripts: You can write your own scripts to check server status and send alerts based on specific criteria.

Regularly reviewing the MCP server list and status allows you to identify and address potential problems before they escalate. For example, if a server is consistently running at high CPU utilization, you might need to investigate the cause and optimize its workload. If a server is offline, you'll need to bring it back online as quickly as possible to maintain system availability.

6. Add Reference to SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md

Last but not least, let's add a reference to SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md. This step is all about documentation and organization. Think of SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md as the master index for your Claude Code setup. It's a central place to find information about all the components, configurations, and procedures in your system. By adding a reference to our new Claude Code setup documentation, we're making it easier for others (and ourselves!) to find and use this guide.

SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md is typically a Markdown file (hence the .md extension) that acts as a table of contents or a directory for your system's documentation. It might include sections for:

  • Components: A list of all the major components of your system, such as databases, APIs, and services.
  • Configurations: Information about configuration files, settings, and parameters.
  • Procedures: Step-by-step guides for common tasks, like setting up a new environment or deploying code.
  • Troubleshooting: Links to troubleshooting guides and FAQs.
  • Infrastructure: Details about your servers, networks, and other infrastructure elements.

To add a reference to our Claude Code setup documentation, you'll need to edit SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md and include a link to the new document (docs/operations/CLAUDE_CODE_SETUP.md). Here's how you might do it:

  1. Open SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md: Use a text editor or Markdown editor to open the file.

  2. Locate the Appropriate Section: Find the section in SYSTEM_INVENTORY.md where the Claude Code setup documentation should be referenced. This might be under a