Migration Guide

Transitioning to Claude Code from other AI coding assistants

title: Migration Guide description: Transitioning to Claude Code from other AI coding assistants

Whether you're coming from GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, or another AI coding tool, this guide will help you transition smoothly to Claude Code and leverage its unique capabilities.

Why Migrate to Claude Code?

Claude Code offers several advantages over other AI coding assistants:

• Agentic capabilities: Claude can autonomously explore codebases, run commands, and complete multi-step tasks
• Deep context understanding: Full project awareness through CLAUDE.md and intelligent file scanning
• Tool integration: MCP servers enable connections to databases, APIs, and external services
• Conversational workflow: Natural language interactions with memory across sessions
• Transparent operation: See exactly what Claude is doing and why

Migration from GitHub Copilot

Workflow Differences

| GitHub Copilot | Claude Code | |----------------|-------------| | Inline suggestions | Conversational requests | | Tab to accept | Explicit confirmation | | Limited context | Full project context | | Code completion | Code + explanation + execution |

Adapting Your Workflow

Copilot approach:

Claude Code approach:

Migrating Copilot Settings

If you had Copilot configurations, here's how to translate them:

Copilot suggestions filtering:

Claude Code equivalent:

Migration from Cursor

Feature Mapping

| Cursor Feature | Claude Code Equivalent | |----------------|----------------------| | CMD+K | Natural language prompt | | Chat panel | Claude conversation | | @codebase | CLAUDE.md + automatic context | | .cursorrules | CLAUDE.md | | Terminal integration | Direct bash execution |

Converting .cursorrules to CLAUDE.md

Cursor's .cursorrules:

Claude Code's CLAUDE.md:

Workflow Translation

Cursor: Inline editing

Claude Code: Conversational

Migration from Codeium

Transitioning Autocomplete Habits

Codeium's autocomplete is automatic; Claude Code is intentional. Adjust by:

1. Describing intent first: Instead of waiting for suggestions, describe what you want
2. Batch your requests: Claude can handle complex, multi-step tasks
3. Review and confirm: Claude shows proposed changes before applying

Codeium to Claude Code Patterns

Codeium: Reactive completion

Claude Code: Proactive request

Migration from ChatGPT/OpenAI

Key Differences

| ChatGPT | Claude Code | |---------|-------------| | Copy-paste code | Direct file editing | | Describe your project | Automatic project scanning | | Manual context management | Intelligent context tracking | | Separate tool | Integrated CLI |

Adjusting Your Prompting Style

ChatGPT style (context-heavy):

Claude Code style (context-light):

Claude Code automatically reads your files and understands your project structure.

Common Migration Challenges

Challenge 1: Expecting Inline Suggestions

Solution: Shift to conversational workflow

Instead of waiting for suggestions, proactively ask:

Then:

Challenge 2: Context Switching

Solution: Use Claude's persistent context

Claude remembers your conversation. You can say:

Challenge 3: Missing Autocomplete

Solution: Lean into Claude's strengths

Instead of autocomplete, use Claude for:

• Generating entire components or modules
• Explaining and refactoring existing code
• Running tests and fixing failures
• Exploring unfamiliar codebases

Challenge 4: Slower Initial Interaction

Solution: Batch your requests

Instead of many small completions:

Setting Up Your Environment

Essential Configuration

1. Create CLAUDE.md

2. Set up .claudeignore

3. Configure settings

IDE Integration

Claude Code works in your terminal but can complement any IDE:

VS Code users:

1. Keep VS Code open for editing
2. Run Claude Code in integrated terminal
3. Use split view for side-by-side work

JetBrains users:

1. Use the terminal panel for Claude Code
2. Configure external tool for quick access
3. Enable auto-reload for file changes

Quick Reference Card

From Copilot

| Instead of... | Use Claude Code... | |---------------|-------------------| | Tab to accept | Review changes, then /approve | | Ghost text | Describe what you want | | File-scoped context | CLAUDE.md for project context |

From Cursor

| Instead of... | Use Claude Code... | |---------------|-------------------| | @codebase | Claude auto-indexes your project | | CMD+K | Natural language prompts | | .cursorrules | CLAUDE.md | | Chat panel | Terminal conversation |

From ChatGPT

| Instead of... | Use Claude Code... | |---------------|-------------------| | Copy-paste code | Direct file paths | | Explain project structure | Let Claude explore | | Manual file creation | Claude writes directly |

30-Day Transition Plan

Week 1: Basics

• Install Claude Code
• Create CLAUDE.md with your project info
• Practice simple tasks (explaining code, small edits)

Week 2: Building Fluency

• Use Claude for feature implementation
• Try multi-file refactoring
• Explore code search and navigation

Week 3: Advanced Usage

• Set up custom commands
• Configure MCP servers for your stack
• Implement complex features end-to-end

Week 4: Optimization

• Refine your CLAUDE.md based on experience
• Create project-specific commands
• Share configurations with your team

Next Steps

• Complete installation guide
• Quick start tutorial
• Configure Claude Code
• Master prompting techniques