3.1 Your first look

Info
⏱ Duration: ~20 min · 🎯 Goal: open the Code tab and set the 4 pre-flight settings before writing your first request.

Open Claude Desktop (updated) and sign in. At the top center you’ll see three tabs: Chat, Cowork and Code. Click Code.

Tip
If clicking Code prompts you to upgrade, you’re missing a paid plan (Code requires Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise). On Windows, the first time you need Git for Windows installed; restart the app after installing it. Most Macs already have Git.

The 4 pre-flight settings

Before you send your first message, configure four things in the prompt area:

  1. Environment = Local. For non-developers, always Local (your own machine and files). The other options —Cloud, SSH, WSL— are for advanced workflows.
  2. Select folder. Click Select folder and choose the workshop folder (where datos/kpis-elektra.csv lives). Official advice (verbatim): “Start with a small project you know well.”
  3. Model. In the dropdown next to the send button. Leave the default model.
  4. Permission mode = Manual. It’s the default and recommended to start. Verbatim: “your files aren’t modified until you accept”: you’ll see a diff and decide to accept or reject each change.

Then type your task and press Enter to start.

Meet the panes

The Code tab is organized into panes you arrange however you like:

Pane For what
chat You converse and give requests.
diff You see proposed changes (+N −M) and accept/reject.
browser Previews your app; Claude self-verifies there.
terminal Command output (you don’t need to type in it).
file File explorer and editor.
plan The plan Claude proposes before acting.
tasks In-progress tasks for the session.
subagent Parallel work Claude coordinates.
Tip
You don’t have to use every pane. For today’s exercise, chat, diff and browser are enough.

✅ Checkpoint

You have the Code tab open, with Environment = Local, your workshop folder selected and the mode set to Manual. You can name at least 3 panes (chat, diff, browser).

Got it? — 2 questions

1. What does an upgrade prompt when clicking Code mean? You’re missing a paid plan: Code requires Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise.

2. Why do we start in Manual mode? Because your files aren’t modified until you accept: you see each change in the diff and decide. It’s the recommended mode for new users.