BearClaude relies on Claude Code for AI‑assisted development. To function correctly, BearClaude needs to know the location of your local claude binary. Without this path, BearClaude cannot launch sessions or capture histories.

​
Why configuration matters

Claude Code is a separate installation maintained by Anthropic. BearClaude provides the spec‑first workflow, while Claude Code executes and edits against your codebase. Configuring the binary path connects the two.

​
Step 1: Install Claude Code

Follow Anthropic’s official installation guide. Once installed, verify it works: 
claude --version
If successful, this prints the installed version of Claude Code.
  • Ensure you’ve got an Anthropic console billing subscription or Claude Pro/Max plan.
  • On the first run of claude you’ll be walked through a configuration and authentication flow. You can do this in BearClaude, but it may be easier to complete these steps in your regular terminal first.

​
Step 2: Point BearClaude to the binary

  1. Open BearClaude → Preferences → Claude Code.
  2. In the Claude Binary Path field, enter the path to your claude executable.
    • Typical macOS (Intel): /usr/local/bin/claude
    • Typical macOS (Apple Silicon/Homebrew): /opt/homebrew/bin/claude
  3. Use the Browse option if you are unsure of the path.
Under most circumstances you shouldn’t have to change this setting.
To find where Claude Code is installed, run this command in your terminal: 
which claude
This will show you the full path to the Claude Code executable (e.g., /usr/local/bin/claude), which you can then enter in BearClaude’s settings.

​
Step 3: Verify the connection

  • Click Test Connection in Preferences.
  • BearClaude will run a short check by invoking claude.
  • If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message that Claude Code is ready.

​
Troubleshooting

  • command not found when testing Ensure Claude Code is installed and that the binary is in your PATH.
  • Installed via Homebrew but still failing On Apple Silicon Macs, binaries often live in /opt/homebrew/bin/. Update the path manually.
  • Custom install locations If you installed Claude Code somewhere else, set that exact path in Preferences.
Once configured, BearClaude can seamlessly launch Claude Code sessions, capture conversations into .specstory/history/, and keep your specifications tied to actual code changes.