Anthropic Expands Claude Code AI Tool to Pro Plan Subscribers

Anthropic's popular Claude Code AI tool now included in its $20/month Pro plan

Claude's knack for coding attracts users. As a result, the launch of Claude 4 drew even more people to Claude Code, expanding the user base by more than 50%, according to the company. The feature lets developers use the coding assistant directly, writing and managing code. Now you can join in on the Claude Code fun for less. Also: Anthropic's free Claude 4 Sonnet aced my coding tests - but its paid Opus model somehow didn't On Wednesday, Anthropic announced it's making Claude Code available to Pro Plans, granting subscribers access to both Claude Code and Claude with the $20 per month subscription. This tool is particularly powerful because it places the coding assistant in the developer's workspace, whether that be the terminal, inside their IDE, or running in the background with the Claude Code SDK. There are some limitations in the Pro plan's version of Claude Code compared to that of the Max plan, including shorter coding periods of one to two hours in smaller codebases. If you do need higher access, you can subscribe to the Max plan; however, that starts at $100 per month for expanded usage, five times more than Pro, or $200 per month for maximum flexibility, at 20x more usage than Pro. Anthropic has been rapidly releasing updates to its Pro plan that make it a competitive option, especially if you don't require the higher usage limits that only superusers would need. For example, this week, Anthropic also made two of its most powerful features -- Research and Integrations -- available to Claude Pro subscribers. The Research feature allows Claude to agentically search hundreds of sources to generate comprehensive reports with proper citations, with the option of drawing from connected apps and your Google Workspace in addition to the web. Separately, the Integrations feature allows developers to build MCP-compliant applications -- an open standard for connecting AI assistants to data systems securely -- leveraging Claude's assistance and enabling users to connect those applications to Claude. The launch of Claude 4 has given Anthropic momentum. The company said paid subscriptions tripled since then. Beyond the Claude Code user base increasing, Anthropic also said the feature's usage has grown by over 80%, measured by token usage. OpenAI has seen similar success and just announced that it has surpassed 3 million paying business users. Also: Anthropic's free Claude 4 Sonnet aced my coding tests - but its paid Opus model somehow didn't This shows that despite reports that there may not be as big of a demand for AI subscriptions, such as a ZDNET-Aberdeen research report, which found that only 8% of Americans would pay extra for AI, there is an audience for these subscriptions, justifying the supply from vendors. Microsoft, OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Google all offer competing subscription services that are vying for your $20 per month. As competition continues to grow, you can expect more upgrades to the subscription offerings to entice users to their subscription. Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

Claude Code Overview by Anthropic

What if you could delegate the most tedious parts of coding -- debugging, file management, or even navigating massive codebases -- to an intelligent assistant that works directly within your terminal? Enter Claude Code, Anthropic's latest innovation in AI-driven software development. Built on the powerful Claude 4 model, this tool isn't just another coding assistant; it's a fantastic leap in how developers approach their craft. With its ability to handle sprawling projects, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, Claude Code promises to redefine productivity for developers and teams alike. In a world where time is the most valuable resource, tools like this are no longer luxuries -- they're necessities. Anthropic explain how Claude Code is reshaping the programming landscape, from its autonomous codebase management to its customizable memory system that adapts to your unique workflow. Whether you're an individual developer juggling complex projects or part of a team striving for seamless collaboration, Claude Code offers features designed to amplify your efficiency and creativity. But what sets it apart from other AI-powered tools? And how does it fit into the broader evolution of software development? By the end, you might find yourself rethinking what's possible in your coding environment. Claude Code is more than just a coding assistant; it is an intelligent tool that operates directly within your terminal, offering seamless integration with popular tools and platforms. Its versatility and functionality make it stand out in the realm of AI-powered development tools. What makes Claude Code unique? These features are particularly valuable for developers managing complex projects, as they eliminate the need for extensive configuration. By automating routine tasks such as file editing, test generation, and bug fixing, Claude Code allows you to focus on the strategic and creative aspects of software development. Setting up Claude Code is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The tool can be installed via NPM using the following command: The only prerequisite is Node.js, making sure accessibility for developers across various platforms. Once installed, Claude Code works seamlessly in any terminal environment, making it adaptable to your preferred setup. For those using integrated development environments (IDEs), its compatibility with IDE terminals ensures a smooth and efficient experience. Stay informed about the latest in AI coding by exploring our other resources and articles. Claude Code is built on the advanced Claude 4 model, which is renowned for its ability to understand and execute complex instructions. This powerful foundation enables the tool to handle intricate workflows and support asynchronous operations. For instance, tasks can run in the background while you focus on other priorities, making sure uninterrupted productivity. This capability makes Claude Code a reliable partner in managing both routine and complex development tasks. One of the standout aspects of Claude Code is its customizable memory system, which allows you to adapt the tool to your specific needs. Using 'Claude.md' files, you can configure the tool's behavior to align with your workflow. These files can be tailored in several ways: Nested files further enhance this flexibility, allowing context-specific configurations. This adaptability ensures that Claude Code can seamlessly integrate into your unique development processes, making it a valuable asset for both individual developers and teams. Claude Code is designed to cater to a diverse audience, offering benefits for various types of users: Its automation capabilities are particularly advantageous for large-scale projects, where time and resource efficiency are critical. By reducing the need for manual intervention, Claude Code enables developers to focus on innovation and problem-solving. Claude Code is available through the Claude Max subscription, with pricing tiers ranging from $50 to $200 per month, depending on usage. While this reflects its premium nature, the advanced features and capabilities it offers make it a worthwhile investment for serious developers and organizations. The pricing structure ensures flexibility, allowing users to choose a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budget. Anthropic has ambitious plans to expand the capabilities of Claude Code, making sure it remains at the forefront of AI-driven software development. Upcoming updates aim to: These planned enhancements will further solidify Claude Code's position as a versatile and user-friendly tool, capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern software development. Claude Code encourages a shift from traditional, manual coding practices to orchestrating agentic workflows. By automating repetitive tasks, it enables developers to focus on higher-level activities such as planning, brainstorming, and execution. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also fosters collaboration, making it an invaluable asset for modern development teams. Its ability to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort aligns with the growing demand for smarter, AI-driven tools in the software development industry. Claude Code reflects a broader trend in the programming world: the transition from traditional coding to prompt-based programming. By using AI-driven automation, it aims to make coding more accessible, efficient, and adaptable to developers' needs. This shift has the potential to redefine software development, opening doors to new levels of innovation and productivity. As developers increasingly adopt tools like Claude Code, the landscape of programming is set to evolve, emphasizing creativity and strategic thinking over repetitive manual tasks.