How do I install Claude Code?

You can install Claude Code via curl (macOS/Linux), Homebrew, PowerShell (Windows), or npm. The recommended macOS/Linux method is: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

What version of Node.js is required for Claude Code via npm?

If you are installing Claude Code globally via npm, it requires Node.js version 18 or higher to function correctly.

What is the 'YOLO mode' shortcut in Claude Code?

In the Claude terminal, pressing Shift+Tab activates 'YOLO mode' which automatically accepts the AI's suggested code changes without requiring manual confirmation.

Where is the Claude settings file located?

Claude settings are loaded in priority order: 1) Enterprise: /etc/claude-code/managed-settings.json, 2) Project Local: .claude/settings.local.json, 3) Project Shared: .claude/settings.json, 4) User Global: ~/.claude/settings.json.

How do I undo a change in Claude Code?

You can open the rewind menu by pressing Esc+Esc or by typing the /rewind command. This allows you to revert file changes while keeping the conversation. Note that bash commands (rm, mv, cp) cannot be undone.

The Ultimate Claude Code Cheat Sheet: Commands, Shortcuts & Config (Part 1)

Welcome to Part 1 of the SEOGEO Claude Mastery Series. If you are integrating Anthropic's Claude Code into your development workflow, you need a structured, high-density reference sheet.

Below is the definitive cheat sheet for installing, configuring, and executing commands in the Claude terminal environment. Bookmark this page so you never lose track of a command again.

🚀 1. Getting Started (Installation)

There are multiple ways to install Claude Code depending on your operating system and environment. Choose the method that best fits your workflow.

Install via curl (macOS/Linux)

Recommended installation method.

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Install via Homebrew (macOS)

Install using Homebrew on macOS.

brew install --cask claude-code

Install via PowerShell (Windows)

Install on Windows using PowerShell.

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Install via npm

Install globally using npm (requires Node.js 18+).

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

Start & Update Claude Code

To launch Claude Code in your current project directory:

cd your-project && claude

To ensure you are running the latest version:

claude update

⌨️ 2. Keyboard Shortcuts

Mastering these shortcuts is the key to achieving a flow state when working alongside Claude in the terminal.

Shortcut	Action
!	Bash mode prefix
@	Mention files/folders
\	Line break (backslash + Enter)
Esc	Interrupt Claude
Esc+Esc	Open rewind menu (undo changes)
Ctrl+R	Full output/context
Ctrl+V	Paste image
Shift+Tab	Auto-accept ("yolo mode")
Shift+Tab+Tab	Plan mode
Cmd+Esc or Ctrl+Esc	Quick launch in IDEs
Cmd+Option+K or Alt+Ctrl+K	Insert file references

⚙️ 3. Configuration Management

Claude settings are managed across different environments. It is crucial to understand the priority order in which Claude loads these files (1 being the highest priority):

Enterprise: /etc/claude-code/managed-settings.json (Highest Priority)
Project Local: .claude/settings.local.json (Personal, git-ignored)
Project Shared: .claude/settings.json (Team settings)
User Global: ~/.claude/settings.json (Personal defaults)

Configuration Commands

View all settings: List the current configuration state.

claude config list

Get setting value: Check a specific setting.

claude config get <key>

Set configuration: Change a setting value.

claude config set <key> <value>

Array Operations: Add or remove from arrays like permissions.

claude config add <key> <value>
claude config remove <key> <value>

⏮️ 4. Checkpointing - Undo & Rewind

Claude Code includes an Automatic Safety Net. It automatically tracks all file edits so you can quickly rewind to previous states if an AI generation goes wrong.

Rewind Commands

Esc+Esc : Open rewind menu to restore previous states.
/rewind : Open rewind menu via slash command.

Rewind Options

Automatic Tracking

Every user prompt creates a new checkpoint.

Conversation Rewind

Restore to previous user message while keeping code.

Code Rewind

Revert file changes while keeping conversation.

Full Rewind

Restore both code and conversation to prior state.

Limitations

Bash changes not tracked: Files modified by bash commands (rm, mv, cp) cannot be undone.
External changes not tracked: Manual edits outside Claude Code aren't captured.
Not version control: Checkpoints complement Git but don't replace it. Use checkpoints for quick recovery, Git for permanent history.

Conclusion & What's Next in Part 2

Mastering these terminal commands, shortcuts, and configuration settings is just the foundation. Now that you have Claude Code installed and tailored to your workflow, you are ready to unlock its true power.

In Part 2 of the Claude Mastery Series, we will dive deep into MCP (Model Context Protocol) Integrations. You will learn how to connect Claude directly to your local databases, external APIs, and live production environments.

Read Part 2: MCP Integrations