Installation

Setting up Claude Code locally and on Longleaf

Modified

February 1, 2026

Beginner 15 min read Phase 1: Setup

Next: First Session →

Local Installation

1. Install Claude Code

Open your terminal and run:

# macOS/Linux
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh

# Windows (PowerShell)
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

2. Authenticate

claude login

This opens your browser for authentication. Use your UNC email if you’ve been added to the lab team account.

3. Set Up Lab Configuration

Copy the lab’s global CLAUDE.md to your home directory:

# Create the .claude directory
mkdir -p ~/.claude

# Copy the student template (or pi template if you're Dr. Rashid)
cp ~/rashid-lab-setup/lab-handbook/config/claude/student-CLAUDE.md ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md

This global file ensures Claude always knows about lab standards, regardless of which project you’re in.

5. Verify Installation

# Check version
claude --version

# Start Claude in any project
cd ~/rashid-lab-setup/lab-handbook
claude

# Try a simple command
> What files are in this project?

Longleaf Installation

1. Connect to Longleaf

ssh <onyen>@longleaf.unc.edu

2. Install Claude Code

# Install in your home directory
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh

# Add to PATH (add this to your ~/.bashrc)
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

# Reload shell
source ~/.bashrc

3. Authenticate

# This will give you a URL to open in your local browser
claude login
TipSSH Tip

If you’re using VS Code Remote-SSH, the browser authentication should work automatically. Otherwise, copy the URL and paste it in your local browser.

4. Set Up Lab Configuration

# Create .claude directory
mkdir -p ~/.claude

# Option A: If you have rashid-lab-setup cloned on Longleaf
cp ~/rashid-lab-setup/lab-handbook/config/claude/student-CLAUDE.md ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md

# Option B: Download directly from GitHub
curl -o ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rashidlab/lab-handbook/main/config/claude/student-CLAUDE.md

5. Configure for HPC Environment

Add these settings to handle Longleaf’s environment:

# Add to ~/.bashrc
export CLAUDE_DISABLE_TELEMETRY=1  # Optional: disable telemetry on shared systems

6. Verify Installation

# Check Claude is accessible
claude --version

# Test in a project directory
cd ~/your-project
claude

# Verify lab config is loaded
> What are the lab coding standards?

tmux for Long Sessions

On Longleaf, use tmux to keep Claude running even if you disconnect:

# Start a new tmux session
tmux new -s claude-work

# Start Claude
claude

# Detach with Ctrl-b, then d

# Reattach later
tmux attach -t claude-work

See the HPC Usage guide for more on using Claude with Slurm jobs.

Plugin Details

Plugin Purpose Key Features
github GitHub CLI integration View/create issues, PRs, discussions
commit-commands Streamlined commits /commit skill with lab conventions
superpowers Development workflows Code review, TDD, debugging, brainstorming
scientific-skills Research tools Database queries, visualization, analysis

Troubleshooting Installation

“claude: command not found”

# Add to PATH
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

# Make permanent (add to ~/.bashrc)
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Authentication issues

# Clear and re-authenticate
claude logout
claude login

Plugin installation fails

# Check network connectivity
curl -I https://claude.ai

# On Longleaf, ensure you're on a login node (not a compute node)
hostname  # Should show something like login*.longleaf.unc.edu

Global CLAUDE.md not loading

# Verify file exists
cat ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md

# Check permissions
ls -la ~/.claude/

Next Steps

Once installed, proceed to the First Session guide for a hands-on walkthrough of using Claude Code with a real project.