# Claude Code

> Anthropic's AI coding agent that works in your terminal: it reads the files in your project, proposes changes you approve, and runs the build-and-test loop with you.

**Category:** Claude

**Claude Code is Claude for building software, living in your terminal instead of a chat window.** You start it inside a project and it reads the files it needs on demand, so there is nothing to upload. You describe an outcome ("add a login page", "find why this test fails") and it does the multi-step work: reading code, writing code, running commands, and checking the result.

The safety habit is built in. By default it works **approve-first**: before it changes a file or runs a command, it shows you the **diff** or the command and waits for your **Yes**. A **CLAUDE.md** file in the project acts as a standing brief, the conventions and context it reads every session.

It is aimed at people who work with code, but you do not have to be a senior engineer. Reach for it when the job *is* the code; reach for [Cowork](/glossary#cowork) when the job is your everyday files.

## At work

In a real repository, ask Claude Code to add a small feature. It reads the relevant files, shows you a diff, and only writes once you approve, so you stay in control of every change.

## Often confused with

Cowork. Claude Code is built for code in a terminal and works approve-first on a repository; Cowork works on your everyday files (docs, sheets, decks) in a folder you connect.

## Related terms

- Claude
- Cowork
- Terminal
- Agent

## See it in a lesson

[Claude Code](/en/learn/advanced/claude-code)

## Further reading

- [Claude Code overview (Anthropic docs)](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview): What Claude Code is and what it can do.
- [Your first day in Claude Code (Help)](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14552382-your-first-day-in-claude-code): A gentle, step-by-step first session.
- [Quickstart (Anthropic docs)](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/quickstart): Install and make your first change in about 15 minutes.
- [Claude Code (product page)](https://claude.com/product/claude-code): The overview, plans, and IDE integrations.

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Last updated: 25/07/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary