claude install doesn't persist ~/.local/bin to PATH in shell config

Resolved 💬 4 comments Opened Jan 26, 2026 by initmaks Closed Feb 28, 2026

Bug Description

Running claude install installs the binary to ~/.local/bin/claude but does not add ~/.local/bin to the user's PATH in any shell configuration file (.zshrc, .zprofile, .bashrc, etc.).

Expected Behavior

The installer should add something like:

export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

to the user's shell config file (e.g., ~/.zshrc for zsh users).

Actual Behavior

  • The installer sets ~/.local/bin in the current session's PATH only
  • No changes are made to shell configuration files
  • Result: claude works in the terminal where install was run, but fails after:
  • Opening a new terminal window
  • Restarting the computer
  • Opening terminal from Spotlight/Finder

Reproduction Steps

  1. Start with a clean environment (no ~/.local/bin in PATH)
  2. Run claude install
  3. Observe that claude works in current terminal
  4. Open a new terminal window (not a tab)
  5. Run which claude → command not found

Environment

  • macOS (Darwin 25.2.0)
  • zsh shell
  • Claude Code 2.1.19 (installed via website/binary)

Workaround

Manually add to ~/.zshrc:

export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

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