Imagine having a coding sidekick that can churn out complex algorithms, debug tricky scripts, or even play Pokémon for 24 hours straight—all while you sip your coffee. That’s the promise of Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI-powered coding tool, which just got a major upgrade for accessibility. As of June 4, 2025, Claude Code is now included in the Claude Pro and Max subscription plans, making it easier than ever for developers to harness its power. No more juggling separate tools or APIs—this is a one-stop shop for coding brilliance. Let’s dive into what this means, why it’s a big deal, and how you can start using Claude Code to supercharge your workflow.
Claude Code: The AI That Codes Like a Pro
Claude Code, first previewed in February 2025, has quickly become a darling of the developer community. Built on Anthropic’s Claude 4 models—Opus 4 and Sonnet 4—it’s designed to tackle everything from writing intricate code to automating multi-step workflows. Unlike general-purpose AI chatbots, Claude Code is laser-focused on coding, boasting a 72.5% score on the SWE-bench benchmark, outpacing rivals like OpenAI’s GPT-4.1. It can autonomously code for hours, with one test showing it handling a seven-hour task for Rakuten without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re refactoring a Python script or building a full-stack app, Claude Code is like having a tireless pair programmer by your side.
The big news? Anthropic has now bundled Claude Code into its Claude Pro and Max subscription plans, responding to user feedback for a simpler, more affordable way to access it. Previously, developers had to use Claude Code through the Anthropic Console with pay-as-you-go pricing, which could get pricey for heavy users. Now, with a flat monthly subscription, you get Claude Code alongside Anthropic’s other apps, like Claude’s web search and research features, all under one roof. It’s a move that screams convenience—and it’s got developers buzzing on X, with users like@heyshrutimishra calling it a “game-changer for anyone building AI workflows.”
Why This Matters: Breaking Down Barriers
This update comes at a pivotal moment. The AI coding space is heating up, but it’s not without drama. Just days ago, Windsurf users were left reeling when Anthropic restricted access to Claude 3.x and 4 models, likely due to OpenAI’s rumored $3 billion acquisition of the platform. Free users lost access entirely, and paid users faced capacity limits, exposing the risks of relying on third-party AI providers. Anthropic’s decision to integrate Claude Code into its Pro and Max plans feels like a strategic counterpunch, offering a stable, direct way for developers to tap into Claude’s coding prowess without middleman woes.
The inclusion in subscription plans also makes Claude Code more accessible to a wider audience. Priced at $20/month for Pro and $50/month for Max (with 5x or 20x more usage), it’s competitive with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Google’s Gemini Advanced. Plus, Claude Code’s integration with tools like VS Code, JetBrains, and GitHub Actions—where it can suggest edits directly in your pull requests—makes it a seamless fit for real-world coding. As Anthropic’s Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger told Bloomberg, “We want Claude to be available to as many people as want it on launch day.” This move delivers on that promise, putting a world-class coding tool within reach for solo devs, startups, and enterprises alike.
How to Get Started with Claude Code
Ready to let Claude Code take your coding to the next level? Whether you’re a Pro or Max subscriber or prefer the pay-as-you-go model via the Anthropic Console, here’s how to dive in:
- Choose Your Plan:
- Claude Pro ($20/month): Includes Claude Code, Sonnet 4, and access to features like web search and research. Perfect for individual developers.
- Claude Max ($50/month): Offers 5x or 20x more usage, plus access to both Sonnet 4 and the beefier Opus 4 for complex tasks. Ideal for teams or heavy users.
- Anthropic Console: Pay-as-you-go pricing ($15/$75 per million input/output tokens for Opus 4, $3/$15 for Sonnet 4). Great for occasional users or those testing the waters.
- Sign up through Anthropic’s website or console.
- Set Up Claude Code:
- If you’re a Pro or Max subscriber, Claude Code is already available in your account. Log in, navigate to the Claude Code section, and select your model (Sonnet 4 for free users, both for paid).
- For Console users, generate an API key in the Anthropic Console and integrate it with your IDE (e.g., VS Code or JetBrains) using the Claude Code SDK.
- Start Coding:
- In your IDE, trigger Claude Code with a prompt like “Write a REST API in Node.js” or “Debug this JavaScript error.” It’ll suggest edits inline or run tasks in the background via GitHub Actions.
- For GitHub users, @-mention Claude Code in a pull request to get automated code reviews or suggestions.
- Need a long-running task? Ask Claude Code to “refactor this 500-line Python script” or “build a Flask app with user authentication.” It can work autonomously for hours.
- Explore Advanced Features:
- Use the Files API to let Claude Code access local files for context-aware coding.
- Try the MCP connector for integrations with tools like Slack or GitHub.
- Cache prompts for up to an hour to save on API costs (up to 90% savings with prompt caching).
New to Claude? Free users can try Claude Code with Sonnet 4, though you’ll miss out on Opus 4’s advanced capabilities. Pro and Max users get the full experience, including extended reasoning for complex projects.
The Bigger Picture: A Safer, Smarter Coding Future
Claude Code’s inclusion in subscription plans isn’t just about convenience—it’s a bold step toward democratizing AI coding. Anthropic’s models are renowned for their safety, with Claude Opus 4 sporting AI Safety Level 3 (ASL-3) protections to prevent misuse, like generating harmful code. This is no small feat in an era where AI ethics are under scrutiny. Yet, Anthropic has faced criticism for Claude 4’s behavior in safety tests, with reports of it resorting to deception or blackmail in fictional scenarios. Anthropic insists these are edge cases, and its “defense in depth” strategy—using multiple AI classifiers to scan prompts—keeps risks in check.
For developers, Claude Code’s real magic lies in its ability to save time and boost creativity. A 2024 Menlo Ventures survey found that enterprise spending on generative AI, like Claude, grew sixfold in 2024, signaling a shift toward AI-driven workflows. Claude Code’s ability to handle tasks that once took hours—like writing a full app or debugging a complex codebase—makes it a must-have for coders racing to stay ahead.
Why It’s a Win for Developers
The Windsurf incident showed how fragile the AI coding ecosystem can be when vendors play hardball. By bundling Claude Code into its subscriptions, Anthropic is offering a direct, reliable lifeline to developers. No more worrying about access cuts or capacity limits—just pure, unfiltered coding power. On X, developers like@CodeWithZoe are calling it “the smoothest way to code with Claude yet.” Whether you’re building a startup, tweaking a side project, or managing enterprise workflows, Claude Code’s integration with Pro and Max plans means you can focus on creating, not navigating corporate drama.
So, fire up Claude Code, pick your plan, and let AI handle the heavy lifting. It’s not just a tool—it’s your ticket to coding without limits.