Install Cursor or Claude Code (do this next)
You do not need to hand-type every line of code in this course. You direct a coding agent, then read and verify what it produced. That only works if the agent is installed and you can open a real project folder before Session 1.
Critical
Priority #1
Complete this lesson before Python setup, API keys, or FastAPI. If you get stuck on anything later, your first move is to paste the error into your coding agent and ask it to fix the setup with you.
Pick one (not both required)
Cursor
A full code editor (VS Code-based) with AI built in. Best when you want to see files, diffs, and the project tree while you direct changes. Free tier exists; Pro ($20/mo) is recommended for heavy use.
Claude Code
Anthropic's terminal agent - you run `claude` in a project folder and it can read, edit, and run commands across your repo. Best when you want an autonomous agent loop from the command line. Requires a paid Anthropic plan (Pro or higher) or API billing.
Most engineers in this cohort use Cursor. Claude Code is equally valid. If you already use one daily, stick with it. If you are starting fresh, Cursor is usually the gentler on-ramp because you can see the code as it changes.
Option A: Install Cursor
Tip
Official guide
Follow the Cursor quickstart for install, sign-in, opening a folder, and your first Agent task. The steps below match what we need for this course.
- 1
Download
Go to cursor.com/download. The site detects your OS (Mac, Windows, or Linux). Download the installer.
- 2
Install
Choose your platform:
- Mac: open the `.dmg` and drag Cursor to Applications.
- Windows: run the `.exe` installer.
- Linux: use the apt/yum packages from the quickstart if you can; otherwise use the AppImage (on Ubuntu 24.04+ you may need `libfuse2` or `libfuse2t64`).
- 1
Sign in and open a folder
Launch Cursor, create or sign in to your account, then File → Open Folder and choose an empty folder (e.g. `~/ai-eng-bootcamp`). This folder is your workspace for pre-course setup.
- 2
Open Agent
Open Agent with Cmd+I (Mac) or Ctrl+I (Windows/Linux). Paste the test prompt below. You should get a reply referencing your workspace. (Chat is Cmd+L / Ctrl+L if you prefer ask-only mode.)
- 3
Optional: terminal command
In Cursor, open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P), run Shell Command: Install 'cursor' command in PATH, so you can type `cursor .` from a terminal later.
Say hello and confirm you can see this project folder.
Option B: Install Claude Code
Tip
Official guide
Follow the Claude Code quickstart for install, login, and your first session. The steps below match what we need for this course.
- 1
Check you have a paid Anthropic account
Claude Code requires a Claude Pro (or Max) subscription, or API billing. The free claude.ai tier does not include Claude Code. Sign up at claude.ai if needed.
- 2
Install (native installer - recommended)
Run the command for your platform:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
See the Claude Code quickstart if any step fails.
- 1
Verify the install
Open a new terminal window and run `claude --version`. If you see `claude: command not found`, add `~/.local/bin` to your PATH (Mac/Linux) or follow the PATH fix in the terminal guide. On Windows, install Git for Windows if Claude Code asks for Git Bash.
- 2
Start your first session
Create a folder for the course, then run `claude`. On first launch you will be prompted to log in to your Anthropic account in the browser.
mkdir ~/ai-eng-bootcamp && cd ~/ai-eng-bootcamp claude
Confirm you can see this directory and list the files here.
Using Claude Code inside Cursor (optional)
Some students run Claude Code in Cursor's integrated terminal (View → Terminal, or Ctrl+` on Windows/Linux) - editor on screen, agent in the terminal below. That is a great setup if you want both. Install Cursor, then run `claude` from its terminal. You can also install the Claude Code extension from the Extensions panel; if it does not appear in Cursor's marketplace, use the Install for Cursor link in Anthropic's docs or run via terminal only.
Watch out
Common blockers
- Trying to learn Python from scratch before installing the agent - install the agent first, then let it scaffold setup.
- Installing both tools but not opening a project folder - the agent needs a workspace root.
- Skipping the login step on Claude Code - run `claude` once and complete browser auth before Session 1.
- On Windows, ignoring Git for Windows when Claude Code errors on bash - install Git and retry.
Ready when
Ready when
- You have Cursor or Claude Code installed and signed in.
- You opened a dedicated project folder (empty is fine for now).
- You sent one message to the agent and got a sensible reply.
Done when
- Cursor or Claude Code is installed and you are signed in
- You opened a project folder and confirmed the agent can see it
- You know which tool you are using for the rest of the course