# Prerequisites

> **What you will learn**
> Two prerequisites and how to install and verify each. Get stuck here and you
> cannot move on.
>
> **If Node.js or the terminal are new to you,** start with [Programs and languages](/guide/it-programs) and [The terminal and commands](/guide/it-terminal).

## The two

| Prerequisite | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| **Claude Code** | **what HyperTeams directs** |
| **Node.js** | what HyperTeams runs on |

---

## 1. Claude Code

### Install

Paste into a terminal (macOS/Linux) or PowerShell (Windows).

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

```powershell
# Windows PowerShell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

### Log in

After installing, **run it once and log in.**

```bash
claude
```

It walks you through the login. This matters because **HyperTeams uses this
login directly.** Log in here and you will never need to enter a key into
HyperTeams.

### Verify

```bash
claude --version
```

A version number means you are ready.

```
✓ 2.x.x             → good
✗ command not found → not installed, or you need a fresh terminal
```

> **If you get `command not found`**, the terminal that was already open when you
> installed has not picked up the change. **Open a new terminal window** and try
> again.

---

## 2. Node.js

### Install

Get the **LTS** version from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/). LTS means "long
term support" and is the stable line.

Run the installer and accept the defaults.

### Verify

```bash
node --version
```

```
✓ v20.x.x or higher → good
✗ command not found → open a new terminal after installing
```

---

## Checking both

Run both commands together; if both print a version you can move on.

```bash
claude --version && node --version
```

## Where people get stuck

### "I installed it but get command not found"

**Nine times out of ten, opening a new terminal fixes it.** The installer changes
your path settings, and an already-open terminal does not know about the change.

If that does not work, restart the computer.

### "Windows blocks the script"

PowerShell's security settings. **Open PowerShell as administrator** and try
again, or if it is a work machine, ask your IT team.

### "It's a work machine and I don't have install rights"

You will need help from IT. When asking, explain it like this:

> "I need Node.js LTS and the Claude Code CLI installed. Both are development
> tools, distributed officially from nodejs.org and claude.ai."

### "Claude Code login fails"

That is unrelated to HyperTeams. You have to resolve Claude Code's own login
first.

---

## Check yourself

**1. Why do you not need to enter an API key into HyperTeams?**

<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>

**Because it uses your Claude Code login directly.** That is why running `claude`
once after installing, to log in, is an important step.
</details>

**2. What should you try first when you see `command not found`?**

<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>

**Open a new terminal window.** The install changes your path settings and an
already-open terminal does not know about it.
</details>

**3. What command confirms you can move on?**

<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>

`claude --version && node --version` — if both print a version, you are ready.
</details>

---

With that ready, installing is one line → [Installing](/guide/ht-install)