Claude Code isn't limited to one place. You can use it in your web browser, as a desktop app, inside code editors, or from the command line. Each option has different strengths, so pick the one that fits how you work.

What this means for you

If you've never used a terminal before, start with the web app or desktop app. They're the most familiar interfaces. You can always try the terminal later as you get more comfortable.

Web App (Easiest to Start)

Go to claude.ai/codein your browser. No installation needed — just sign in and start working.

Best For

• People who don't want to install anything
• Working from any computer (school, library, work)
• Setting up scheduled tasks that run automatically
• Sharing sessions with team members

What You Can Do

• Everything in these docs, right from your browser
• Set up tasks to run on a schedule (daily reports, weekly summaries)
• Automatically respond to GitHub pull requests
• Start a session on the web, then continue it on your desktop

Desktop App

A standalone application for Mac and Windows. Download it once, and it lives on your computer like any other app.

Best For

• People who prefer a dedicated app over browser tabs
• Working with files on your computer
• Running tasks while your browser is closed
• Team collaboration features

What You Can Do

• Full Claude Code experience in a native app
• Direct access to your local files
• Schedule recurring tasks
• Computer use — Claude can interact with your screen for UI testing
• Cowork mode for team collaboration

Terminal (Command Line)

The terminal is a text-based interface on your computer. It might look intimidating at first, but it's actually the most powerful way to use Claude Code.

Best For

• Power users who want maximum control
• Automating tasks with scripts
• Running Claude as part of other workflows
• Working on multiple projects simultaneously

How to Open a Terminal

System	How to Open
Windows	Search for “Terminal” or “PowerShell” in the Start menu
Mac	Open “Terminal” from Applications > Utilities
Linux	Press Ctrl+Alt+T or find Terminal in your applications

Getting Started in the Terminal

claude # Start Claude Code claude "help me organize my files" # Start with a specific request

Don't worry

The terminal looks like a black screen with text, but using Claude Code in it is just like texting — you type what you want, press Enter, and Claude responds. You don't need to know any special commands.

VS Code (For Code Editors)

If you use VS Code for writing code, documents, or any text-based work, Claude Code integrates directly into it.

Setup

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (the puzzle piece icon on the left)
3. Search “Claude Code”
4. Click Install

How to Use

• Click the Spark icon in the sidebar to open Claude
• Type your request in the chat panel
• Claude can see and edit the files you have open
• Use @ to reference specific files

JetBrains (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm)

For developers using JetBrains IDEs, Claude Code is available as a plugin.

1. Go to File > Settings > Plugins
2. Search “Claude Code”
3. Install and restart

Which One Should You Use?

If You Are...	Start With	Why
New to Claude Code	Web App	Nothing to install, works in your browser
A student or casual user	Web App or Desktop	Familiar interfaces, easy to get started
A small business owner	Desktop App	Works with your local files, runs in the background
Someone who likes dedicated apps	Desktop App	Native experience, no browser tabs
Comfortable with the terminal	Terminal (CLI)	Most powerful, great for automation
A developer	VS Code or Terminal	Integrates with your existing workflow

Feature Comparison

Feature	Web App	Desktop	Terminal	VS Code
No installation needed	Yes	No	No	No
Works with local files	Limited	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scheduled tasks	Yes	Yes	No	No
Custom agents & skills	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tool connections (MCP)	Built-in only	Yes	Yes	Yes
Automation & scripting	No	No	Yes	No
Works offline	No	No	No	No

What this means for you

You can use multiple interfaces at the same time. Start a session on the web at work, continue it on your desktop at home, or move between them as needed. They all connect to the same Claude.

Moving Between Interfaces

You can start work on one interface and continue on another:

• Web to Terminal: Use claude --teleport to pick up a web session in your terminal.
• Any to Any: Use claude --resume to find and continue any previous session.

Tips

• Start with the web app— it's the fastest way to try Claude Code with zero setup.
• Move to desktop for file work— when you need Claude to read, organize, or edit files on your computer.
• Try the terminal when ready— it unlocks the full power of Claude Code, especially automation.
• You don't have to choose just one— use different interfaces for different situations.