Anthropic’s latest Cowork feature brings Claude Code capabilities to users, no coding required

Anthropic Introduces Cowork: A User-Friendly Claude Code Alternative

Anthropic has unveiled Cowork, a new feature within the Claude Desktop app that simplifies file management and automation for users. Unlike the more technical Claude Code, Cowork allows individuals to select a specific folder for Claude to access and modify files, all managed through an intuitive chat interface. This approach offers a secure, sandboxed environment similar to Claude Code, but with a much easier setup process that doesn't require advanced technical skills.

Currently, Cowork is in a research preview phase and is accessible exclusively to Max plan subscribers. Users on other plans can join a waitlist for future access.

The development of Cowork was partly inspired by the increasing number of people leveraging Claude Code for tasks beyond programming, using it as a versatile AI assistant. Built on the Claude Agent SDK, Cowork utilizes the same core technology as Claude Code. By allowing users to specify which folders the tool can interact with, Cowork makes it simple to control file access. Additionally, since it operates without the need for command-line tools or virtual environments, it is much more approachable for those without a technical background.

This expanded accessibility unlocks a wide range of new possibilities. For example, Anthropic highlights how Cowork can compile expense reports from folders filled with receipt images. Meanwhile, existing Claude Code users have already applied the technology to organizing media libraries, reviewing social media content, and analyzing conversations.

Like its predecessor, Cowork is capable of executing multiple actions autonomously, which introduces certain risks if instructions are unclear or conflicting. Anthropic cautions users about potential issues such as prompt injection or accidental file deletion, emphasizing the importance of providing precise and direct instructions to the tool.

“These risks aren’t unique to Cowork,” Anthropic notes, “but this may be your first experience with a more advanced tool that goes beyond simple chat interactions.”

Since its initial launch as a command-line utility in November 2024, Claude Code has become one of Anthropic’s flagship offerings. The company has since expanded its reach with a web-based version released in October, followed by integration with Slack two months later.

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