Claude-account enables switching Claude Code profiles without re-authentication on Linux

New Tool for Claude Code Profile Management

claude-account is an independent, community-developed tool designed for Linux users of Claude Code. It provides a mechanism to manage and switch between multiple Claude Code profiles without requiring repeated login procedures for each account. The tool operates by assigning an isolated CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR for every profile.

How It Works

The utility functions as a shim, transparently forwarding commands to the official Claude executable. It does not handle user credentials directly; instead, Claude Code itself performs login, logout, credential storage, and token refresh. This design ensures that claude-account never reads or copies credential contents, maintaining security by relying on Claude Code's native authentication processes.

Installation and Usage

Installation involves downloading a tarball, verifying its SHA256 checksum, and running an installer script. Users then add an export PATH line to their shell configuration. Once installed, commands like 'claude account add', 'claude account use', 'claude account list', and 'claude account remove' become available to manage profiles. Adding a new profile initiates Claude Code's official login flow, and the first profile added becomes active. Switching profiles affects newly launched Claude processes, while existing sessions retain the account they were started with.

Impact for Developers

This tool addresses a specific workflow challenge for developers and users who need to use multiple Claude Code accounts (e.g., for work and personal projects) on a single Linux machine. By simplifying account switching, it removes the friction of re-authentication, potentially improving productivity for those who frequently switch contexts.