Claude Code
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is a version of Claude that runs from within the terminal (a command-line app on both Mac and Windows) and allows Claude to browse and act on your local files. Unlike Claude in the browser or Claude Projects, Claude Code has automatic access to all files in the directory where it's launched.
When you run Claude Code, your files become the context—there's no need to upload documents or paste information into chats. Claude reads your files automatically, enabling you to build reusable AI-powered systems and workflows.
How is Claude Code different from browser Claude?
In the browser, every Claude chat starts from scratch. Even with Claude Projects, you're managing context within that specific project by uploading files and setting instructions.
With Claude Code, your file structure is your context. When you add information to a markdown file in your working directory, Claude sees it immediately. You stop repeating yourself and stop managing multiple versions of the same context across different projects.
This shift is particularly powerful when you're maintaining multiple initiatives or regularly updating information. Instead of copying and pasting across projects, you maintain your information in one place and Claude accesses it automatically.
What can you build with Claude Code?
Claude Code enables you to create personalized workflows and a personal operating system tailored to how you work. You can define custom slash commands, work with multiple parallel agents, and build systems that get better over time.
For example, you might create a competitive analysis workflow that you run once, then reuse monthly as competitors change. Or build a daily workflow that generates your to-do list and summarizes research articles. These systems compound—improve your prompt once, and every future use benefits automatically.
All memory, context, and shortcuts are stored locally on your machine, giving you complete data portability. By default, Claude Code can only read files in the directory where it's launched and requires your permission for other actions like writing files or executing code.
Learn more:
- Claude Code: What It Is, How It's Different, and Why Non-Technical People Should Use It
- How to Use Claude Code Safely: A Non-Technical Guide to Managing Risk
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