[BUG] Claude Code silently exits (code 0) when git is not installed

Description

Claude Code interactive mode renders the TUI welcome screen, then immediately exits with code 0 when git is not installed on the system. No error message is shown. The user has no indication that git is a required dependency.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Use a fresh Linux server without git installed (e.g. Fedora 42 minimal VPS)
2. Install Claude Code: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh
3. Run claude
4. TUI renders the welcome screen, REPL prompt appears, then process exits immediately with code 0
5. Terminal dumps VTE escape codes after exit

Expected Behavior

Claude Code should either:

• Print a clear error: Error: git is required but not found. Install it with: dnf install git / apt install git
• Or list git as a dependency in the install script and check for it during installation

Actual Behavior

• Silent exit with code 0
• No error message whatsoever
• claude doctor does not flag missing git
• claude --version works fine
• claude -p "hello" gives misleading error: Error: Input must be provided either through stdin or as a prompt argument when using --print
• Hours of debugging required to identify the cause

Environment

• Claude Code: v2.1.74
• OS: Fedora 42 (kernel 6.18), Vultr VPS, 2GB RAM, x86_64
• Shell: bash
• TERM: xterm-256color
• TTY: Valid /dev/pts/0

Fix Confirmation

dnf install git immediately resolves the issue. Claude stays open and functions normally after git is installed.

Related Issues

• #23195 — exits in non-git directories (same silent exit behavior)
• #27455 — exits in non-git directories post v2.1.29

Notes

• The install script (claude.ai/install.sh) does not check for or mention git as a dependency
• claude doctor should detect missing git and report it
• This is especially common on minimal server/VPS images that ship without git