Claude Code vs Work vs Web (caveman version)
The Three-Tool Rule
Tool mismatch is the biggest AI time-sink. Web is for talking. Work is for living. Code is for shipping.
Useful output = Task Fit × Tool Power. Wrong tool, zero fit, no model rescues you.
The three tools
| Tool | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Web | claude.ai | One-off questions, brainstorming, document analysis, artifact prototyping |
| Claude Work | Desktop + mobile | Inbox, calendar, meeting prep, voice dictation. OAuth to Gmail, Notion, Slack, Linear, GitHub |
| Claude Code | Terminal CLI | Multi-file refactors, debugging, builds, tests, PRs |
Decision tree
- Files in a project? → Code.
- Inbox, calendar, connected app? → Work.
- One-off thought, paper, sketch? → Web.
Heuristic
Copy-paste code or a file twice in Web → switch to Code. Asking Code “is this email polite enough” → switch to Web or Work.
Worked example
45-min Web chat with two file copy-pastes. Context drifts. Bug ships. Same task in Code: 8 min. 37 min saved per misroute. Five a week → 150 hours a year.
Recap
- Files → Code. Inbox → Work. Thought → Web.
- Useful output = Task Fit × Tool Power.
- Two copy-pastes in Web = wrong tool.
- The win is routing, not a smarter model.