Claude vs Claude Cowork vs Claude Code: The Beginner's Guide (2026)
Learn when to use Claude, Claude Cowork, or Claude Code. Simple framework: Ask, Do, Build. Includes interactive decision tree, feature comparison, pricing, and real examples.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Claude Code used for?
Claude Code is used for building software, debugging applications, creating automations, and working with codebases. It runs in your terminal, understands your entire project structure, and can edit files, run commands, and ship features autonomously.
Is Claude Code free?
No, Claude Code is not free. You can access it through a Claude Max subscription ($100-200/month) or pay-as-you-go via the Anthropic API. There is no free tier for Claude Code specifically.
What's the difference between Claude and Claude Code?
Claude is a conversational AI for asking questions and thinking through problems. Claude Code is an agentic tool that lives in your terminal, reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, and builds software autonomously. Think: Ask vs Build.
Do I need to be a developer to use Claude Code?
Claude Code is designed primarily for developers who are comfortable with terminal/command-line tools. If you're non-technical, Claude Cowork offers similar agentic capabilities with a friendlier desktop app interface.
What is Claude Cowork?
Cowork is 'Claude Code for non-developers.' Released in January 2026, it lets Claude access a folder on your computer to read, edit, and create files—perfect for organizing downloads, processing documents, and troubleshooting without writing code.
Claude Code vs Cursor - which is better?
They serve different purposes. Claude Code is a CLI/terminal tool with deep agentic capabilities and autonomous task execution. Cursor is an IDE with AI features built into a familiar editor interface. Many developers use both—Cursor for quick edits, Claude Code for complex autonomous work.
How much does Claude cost?
Claude has a free tier with limited usage. Pro costs $20/month and includes Cowork access. Max costs $100/month and includes everything including Claude Code. Max+ costs $200/month for power users who need maximum usage.
What is the difference between Claude Desktop and Claude Code?
Claude Desktop is the application you install on your computer to chat with Claude and use Cowork. Claude Code is a separate terminal-based tool for developers that runs commands, edits code, and builds software. Desktop is for conversations and file tasks; Code is for building.
Can Claude Code write code for me?
Yes, Claude Code can write, edit, and debug code autonomously. It understands your entire codebase, can make changes across multiple files, run tests, commit to git, and even deploy applications—all from natural language instructions.
Which Claude tool should I use for organizing files?
Use Claude Cowork for organizing files. It runs inside the Claude Desktop app and can access folders on your computer to organize, rename, move, and process files. Just point it to a folder and describe what you want done.
Is Claude Cowork the same as Claude Code?
No. Cowork and Code are different tools. Cowork runs in the Claude Desktop app and is designed for non-technical tasks like organizing files and processing documents. Code runs in your terminal and is designed for software development and technical automation.
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