I've been using the Claude desktop app (and its web version) for over a year, and I find it excellent for writing complex application code. My typical approach involves planning and architecture with tools like Gemini or ChatGPT, then I use the desktop app with the Filesystem MCP for optimal results. I've successfully built complex codebases with over 10,000 lines of code this way, so I consider myself an advanced user of Claude.
Lately, I keep hearing about the benefits of Claude Code, and even though I've tried it, it feels counterintuitive compared to the desktop app. As a non-programmer, I rely heavily on being able to inspect things manually in VS Code before finalizing anything. I feel like I'm not leveraging Claude Code efficiently and that it's taking me off the original plan with its suggestions.
I'm looking for the best resources to help me understand how to properly use Claude Code. Are there any recent videos, articles, or posts that showcase effective usage? How can I make this transition smoother?
4 Answers
It's pretty interesting to see someone manage such complex code while considering themselves a non-programmer! This might be a good time to familiarize yourself with some basic terminal skills. Even a beginner programming class that covers setting up environments would be super beneficial for your transition to Claude Code.
As someone who also transitioned from Claude Desktop to Claude Code, I get where you're coming from. I still lean on the desktop for deep architecture work because it's just more robust in sequential thinking. I use Claude Code mainly for testing and code quality checks. You can keep a Claude Code window open for those tasks, which helps maintain a clean chat window in Claude Desktop. Plus, make sure to check out Codex for writing concise code—it's quite effective!
Just a heads up, you can still access your repositories in VS Code for diffs, which helps with managing your commits as you adapt to Claude Code! You can even run terminal commands within VS Code, which can streamline your workflow a bit.
That's awesome! Combining those tools sounds like a solid approach to keep everything organized.
Have you checked out the official best practices for Claude Code on Anthropic's site? It offers a lot of insights into using the platform effectively, especially for newcomers. You can find it at the link: https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices! Give it a shot, it should help clarify things for you!
Totally agree! The tech world is moving towards no-code solutions, but having foundational skills will definitely help you feel more in control.