Claude Code Web: Using Claude Code in VS Code and Beyond

Not everyone wants to live in the terminal. If you prefer VS Code or need a visual interface for Claude Code, you have options. Here's everything you need to know about using Claude Code outside the command line.

//What is Claude Code Web?

Claude Code Web refers to the VS Code extension and browser-based interfaces that bring Claude Code's agentic capabilities into visual environments. Instead of typing commands in a terminal, you get a sidebar panel, inline diff previews, and point-and-click interactions.

The core is the same. Same Claude models. Same agentic capabilities. Same ability to read your codebase, write code, and execute commands. Just wrapped in a GUI.

The VS Code extension is the primary way most developers use Claude Code Web. It's official, well-maintained, and integrates tightly with your editor.

//VS Code Extension Setup

Open VS Code and go to the Extensions panel (Cmd+Shift+X on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux).

Search for "Claude Code" and install the official extension from Anthropic.

Once installed, you'll see a Claude icon in your sidebar. Click it to open the chat panel.

First time, it'll ask you to authenticate. Same process as the CLI. Sign in with your Anthropic account. Your subscription carries over. If you're using Claude Pro or Max on the CLI, you have the same access in VS Code.

That's it. You're ready to go.

//Features

The VS Code extension isn't just a chat window. It's built specifically for coding workflows.

Sidebar chat panel. Your main interface. Ask questions, request changes, get explanations. The conversation persists across sessions.

Inline diff previews. When Claude Code proposes changes, you see them as diffs right in your editor. Green for additions, red for deletions. Review before accepting.

One-click apply. See a change you like? Click to apply it. No copy-paste. No manual editing.

Command palette integration. Hit Cmd+Shift+P and search for Claude commands. Start new conversations, clear context, access settings.

File context awareness. The extension knows which file you have open. Ask "what does this function do?" and it understands you mean the current file. Select code and ask about just that selection.

Multi-file operations. Same as the CLI. Claude Code can propose changes across multiple files. You see all the diffs in a single view and approve them together.

Terminal integration. When Claude Code needs to run commands, it can use VS Code's integrated terminal. You see the output in real time.

Workspace settings. Configure behavior per-project. Set default instructions, adjust confirmation prompts, customize the experience for different codebases.

//CLI vs VS Code Extension

Both are official. Both connect to the same Claude models. The difference is workflow.

Use the CLI when:

• You live in the terminal anyway
• You want scriptable AI operations
• You're doing headless automation
• You prefer keyboard-only workflows
• You're working remotely via SSH

Use the VS Code extension when:

• You prefer visual feedback
• You want inline diff previews
• You're already in VS Code all day
• You like clicking buttons
• You want tight editor integration

Use both when:

• Different tasks need different interfaces
• You switch between laptop and remote servers
• You want the best of both worlds

They share authentication. Switch freely between them. Your subscription covers both.

Personally, I use the CLI for big refactors and automation. The extension for quick questions and focused edits while I'm already in VS Code. There's no penalty for using both.

//Other Web Interfaces

Beyond the VS Code extension, there are other ways to access Claude Code capabilities in a browser.

Claude.ai. The main Claude web interface at claude.ai. It's not Claude Code specifically, but Claude can help with coding tasks. Paste code, ask questions, get suggestions. No codebase awareness though. It only sees what you paste.

Artifacts. On claude.ai, Claude can generate interactive artifacts. HTML pages, React components, small apps. Useful for prototyping or explaining concepts visually.

API Playground. Anthropic's API console lets you test prompts directly. More for API development than everyday coding, but useful when building integrations.

Third-party integrations. Various tools integrate Claude via the API. Code editors, CI/CD pipelines, documentation generators. Quality varies. The official VS Code extension is the most polished option.

JetBrains plugin. If you use IntelliJ, PyCharm, or other JetBrains IDEs, there's a Claude plugin available. Similar concept to VS Code. Check the JetBrains marketplace.

//Tips for VS Code Users

Get more out of the extension with these tweaks:

Keyboard shortcuts. Learn the shortcuts for common actions. Opening the panel, clearing context, starting new conversations. Saves time over clicking.

Workspace settings. Create a .vscode/settings.json with Claude-specific config for each project. Different codebases need different defaults.

Combine with other extensions. Claude Code plays well with other tools. GitLens for history, Prettier for formatting, ESLint for linting. Use them together.

Keep the panel docked. I keep Claude Code in the right sidebar, editor in the center, file tree on the left. Everything visible at once.

Use selection context. Select specific code before asking questions. "What does this do?" with selected code is more precise than asking about the whole file.

Review diffs carefully. The inline preview is convenient but don't just click apply. Read the changes. Catch issues before they become bugs.

Clear context periodically. Long conversations accumulate noise. Start fresh when switching tasks.

//Verdict

Claude Code Web gives you the same agentic AI coding in a visual package. If you're a VS Code user, the extension fits naturally into your workflow. Same capabilities as the CLI, just with buttons and previews instead of terminal commands.

The VS Code extension is my recommendation for developers who aren't terminal-native. Lower barrier to entry. Faster feedback. Less context switching.

If you're already comfortable in the terminal, the CLI is still more flexible. But there's no wrong choice here. Use what fits your workflow.

Now go try it.