Set up Claude Code using GitHub Codespaces

The problem

You've heard about Claude Code's ability to automate complex tasks, but the setup instructions assume you're a developer with a powerful computer and command-line experience. Your charity PCs run Windows, have limited RAM, and your IT team (if you have one) won't let you install development tools.

The solution

Use GitHub Codespaces to run Claude Code in a browser-based Linux environment. No installation on your computer, no system requirements beyond a browser, and a contained environment that won't affect your machine. The free tier gives you 60 hours per month - enough for occasional automation projects.

What you get

A working Claude Code environment you can access from any computer via your browser. You'll have a safe sandbox to experiment with AI-powered automation without touching your charity's IT infrastructure. You'll also have a CLAUDE.md file that gives Claude context about your organisation.

Before you start

• A free GitHub account (sign up at github.com)
• An Anthropic account with API access (console.anthropic.com)
• A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
• Willingness to follow step-by-step instructions in an unfamiliar interface

When to use this

• Your charity PCs can't run development tools (limited RAM, locked-down Windows)
• Your IT policy doesn't allow installing software
• You want a contained environment that keeps AI experiments separate from your work machine
• You'll be accessing Claude Code from multiple devices or locations
• You want to start experimenting with AI automation without a complex setup

When not to use this

• You have a modern Mac or PC and permission to install software (Claude Desktop is simpler)
• You need to work with very large files that would be slow to upload
• Your internet connection is unreliable (Codespaces needs a stable connection)
• You're doing occasional one-off tasks (just use Claude.ai directly)
• You need to work with files containing beneficiary PII or sensitive data - Claude Code can see all files in your Codespace. Either anonymise first or use a local installation with appropriate safeguards.

Steps

1. 1

   Create a GitHub account

   Go to github.com and sign up for a free account if you don't have one. Use your work email if you want to keep this separate from personal projects. GitHub is a platform developers use to store and share code - you don't need to understand the coding side, just think of it as a cloud service.

2. 2

   Fork a Claude Code template repository

   Go to github.com/wandb/vibes (a ready-made template for AI coding tools). Click the 'Fork' button in the top right. This creates your own copy of the template that you can modify. Accept the defaults and click 'Create fork'.

3. 3

   Sign up for Claude for Nonprofits

   Go to anthropic.com/nonprofits and check if your charity qualifies. UK registered charities can apply - you'll need your Charity Commission number and may need to provide documentation showing charitable status (the program was designed for US 501(c)(3) orgs, so UK charities apply as 'equivalents'). Even without the discount, costs are manageable for occasional use - typically a few pounds per session.

4. 4

   Get your Anthropic API key

   Go to console.anthropic.com and sign up or log in. Navigate to API Keys and create a new key. Copy this key somewhere safe (you'll need it in a moment). Add some credit to your account - £10 is plenty to start experimenting.

5. 5

   Launch your Codespace

   Go back to your forked repository on GitHub. Click the green 'Code' button, then the 'Codespaces' tab, then 'Create codespace on main'. This spins up a cloud computer with everything pre-installed. It takes 1-2 minutes the first time. You'll see a code editor interface in your browser.

6. 6

   Configure your API key securely

   For secure, persistent storage: go to github.com/settings/codespaces and add a new secret called ANTHROPIC_API_KEY with your key as the value. Select your forked repository to give it access. This persists across sessions and is more secure than typing in the terminal. Alternatively, in the Codespace terminal type: export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY='your-key-here' - but this only lasts until you close the tab.

7. 7

   Install and run Claude Code

   If Claude Code isn't already installed in the template, install it by typing in the terminal: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. Then type: claude 'hello, please introduce yourself and confirm you can see this Codespace environment'. Press Enter. Claude should respond, confirming the setup works. If you get an error about the API key, double-check your secret is configured correctly.

8. 8

   Upload files and create context

   To work with your charity's data, drag and drop files into the file explorer sidebar on the left - or right-click and select 'Upload'. Then type: claude 'create a CLAUDE.md file that introduces my charity context. Ask me questions about my organisation so you can write helpful context.' Claude will interview you about your charity. This file helps Claude understand your context in future sessions. PRIVACY: Only upload files you're comfortable having processed by AI - never upload spreadsheets with beneficiary PII.

9. 9

   Stop your Codespace when finished

   To preserve your free hours, stop your Codespace when not using it. In the bottom-left of the browser, click the green 'Codespaces' text and select 'Stop Current Codespace'. Your files are saved. Next time, restart from the same place via github.com/codespaces.

Tools

Resources