Claude CodeAnswered

Is there a way to use Claude Code with a GUI instead of the terminal?

Anonymous10/2/2026· Views 25

Using Claude Code just through the terminal screen feels a bit clunky. Viewing diffs of file changes is inconvenient too. I heard somewhere that you can use it through a desktop app Code tab or VS Code extension GUI, but I'm wondering if there are feature differences compared to the terminal CLI. I'm also curious if sessions and settings are shared between them. If you use the GUI version, which one do you find most convenient?

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첫째StaffLv.67d ago

Hello, this is the site staff. To cut to the point, you can use Claude Code with a GUI. The Code tab in the desktop app and the VS Code extension both run on the same engine as the CLI, and they share settings and CLAUDE.md. Session lists are managed separately for each. First, both options solve the diff problem. 1. Desktop app Code tab: When Claude changes files, a change summary such as +12 -1 appears. Clicking it opens a diff viewer with the file list on the left and the changes on the right. You can leave a comment on individual lines and send them all at once. The Review code button lets Claude review the changes before you commit. There are also features such as parallel sessions, a built-in terminal, and app preview. 2. VS Code extension: It has inline diffs, a plan review screen, and a feature that passes lines you selected in the editor over with @mention. You can also view conversation history. It requires VS Code 1.94.0 or later. There are also differences from the CLI. 1. The VS Code extension provides only some slash commands and skills. It also doesn't have the ! Bash shortcut or tab autocomplete. If you need these, run claude in the VS Code integrated terminal. In that case, you need to install the CLI separately from the extension. 2. The documentation says the dontAsk permission mode can only be used in the CLI, not in the desktop app. Here is what is shared. 1. The desktop app reads the same settings files and CLAUDE.md as the CLI. Plan usage is also shared by all Claude Code surfaces. 2. The desktop app and CLI each keep their own session lists. Running /desktop in the CLI moves a session to the app. In the app, you can use /resume to continue a CLI session. /desktop only works when you are signed in with a subscription account on macOS or x64 Windows. 3. If you open the same conversation in the CLI and VS Code at the same time, a warning appears that messages may get mixed up. We recommend opening it in only one place. Reviews vary with taste and work style, so it's hard for me to say one is clearly better. If you already use VS Code, start with the extension. If you want to run several tasks in parallel and review diffs in detail, the desktop app may be the better fit. Since settings are shared, you can switch between the two without any trouble. We've put a detailed guide on connecting VS Code and JetBrains below. https://usingclaude.com/ko/claude-code/install/claude-code-ide-integration