Coding Agents · Side by side

Claude vs Claude Code

Claude is Anthropic's AI assistant, the chat app and models you talk to. Claude Code is a separate developer tool, built on Claude, that acts agentically in your terminal and editor: editing files, running commands, and completing coding tasks. Same brain, different product.

Claude

Anthropic's AI assistant (chat)

Claude Code

Anthropic's agentic coding tool

Side by side

	Claude	Claude Code
What it is	Chat assistant / model	Agentic coding tool
Interface	Web, mobile, API	Terminal CLI + IDE extensions
Best for	Writing, analysis, Q&A	Editing code, running tasks
Autonomy	Conversational	Agentic, acts on your project
Access	Claude Pro/Max, API	Claude Pro/Max or API

The Verdict

Use Claude for conversation, writing, and analysis. Use Claude Code when you want an agent to actually make changes in your codebase. They share the underlying models; the difference is the product around them.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Claude Code included with Claude?

Claude Code can be used with a Claude Pro/Max subscription or via API. It's a distinct tool built on the same Claude models.

Do I need Claude Code if I have Claude?

Only if you want agentic coding. For chat, writing, and analysis, the Claude app is enough.