Claude Code builds apps through conversation in your browser

Anthropic recently launched a browser-based version of Claude Code, transforming how people approach software development. This new interface makes coding accessible through natural language conversations, eliminating the traditional barriers that have kept non-programmers from building their own applications.

The tool represents what’s being called “vibe coding”—a development approach where users describe what they want to build in plain English rather than writing traditional code syntax. Instead of memorizing programming languages and debugging complex syntax errors, users simply explain their vision and watch Claude Code transform those ideas into functional applications.

This shift matters because it democratizes software creation in ways that previous no-code tools haven’t achieved. While drag-and-drop website builders require users to understand interface design principles, and traditional programming demands years of syntax mastery, Claude Code bridges that gap by handling the technical implementation while users focus on creative direction.

How to access Claude Code in your browser

Getting started requires a Claude Pro or Max subscription, which provides additional features including expanded query limits—the number of requests you can make to the AI system within a given timeframe. These paid plans unlock Claude Code alongside other advanced capabilities that justify the monthly investment for serious users.

Once logged in, navigate to the main chat interface where you’ll find “Claude Code” as a selectable option. The system then prompts you to choose from different AI models: Haiku 4.5, Sonnet 4.5, or Opus 4. Each model offers different capabilities and processing speeds, with Haiku 4.5 providing an excellent balance of performance and efficiency for most vibe coding projects. When uncertain about model selection, simply describe your project goals to Claude, which will recommend the most suitable option.

This browser-based version differs significantly from the original Claude Code, which operated through terminal interfaces and integrated directly with development tools like GitHub (a code storage and collaboration platform) and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) such as VS Code. The new web interface brings that same underlying logic to a cleaner, more accessible visual environment where users can make natural-language requests, preview generated code, and manage multiple development tasks without switching between different applications.

Creating applications through conversation

The development process feels remarkably intuitive once you understand the basic workflow. Consider this practical example: requesting “Build a small React app that lets me track daily writing goals” produces immediate results. Within seconds, Claude Code creates the project structure, writes the necessary components, and suggests adding local storage for data persistence.

React, for context, is a JavaScript library developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) that specializes in building user interfaces, particularly those requiring dynamic updates as users interact with different elements. However, users don’t need to understand these technical details—simply describing an “app” and explaining its intended function provides sufficient direction for Claude to begin development.

The conversational nature of the process becomes apparent when making refinements. A request like “Make the progress bar feel more rewarding” prompts Claude to redesign the animation logic while explaining each modification in accessible terms. Users can refine layouts, add new features, or rename components simply by describing desired changes, with Claude handling the technical implementation and providing clear explanations of what changed and why.

This collaborative approach extends to publishing decisions as well. Projects can remain private for personal use or be made publicly accessible, with Claude guiding users through the implications and requirements of each choice.

Where Claude Code demonstrates particular strength

The most impressive aspect isn’t the speed of code generation, but the quality of collaboration Claude provides throughout the development process. When users identify sections that “feel clunky” or “don’t work smoothly,” Claude understands the contextual feedback and implements appropriate solutions while explaining the reasoning behind specific technical choices.

This collaborative capability extends to complex development workflows. Claude can manage multiple sequential tasks—debugging existing code, adding explanatory comments for future reference, and optimizing performance—while maintaining context about the overall project goals. The system explains its logic for each change, creating an educational experience that helps users understand not just what changed, but why those changes improve the application.

For users with minimal programming background, this explanatory approach transforms development from a mysterious technical process into an understandable creative collaboration. Claude effectively serves as a patient programming partner that provides expertise without judgment about users’ technical knowledge gaps.

Current limitations and considerations

Since the browser version remains in limited rollout, occasional performance hiccups are expected, particularly with larger, more complex projects. Users should maintain patience during these moments, understanding that the tool is still being refined based on user feedback and technical optimization.

More importantly, this web interface isn’t designed to replace traditional development environments for professional software development. Instead, it functions best as a complementary workspace for rapid prototyping, quick bug fixes, and creative experimentation. Professional developers will likely continue using established IDEs and development workflows for production applications, while leveraging Claude Code for specific tasks or initial concept development.

The tool also has practical limitations around project complexity and integration requirements. While excellent for standalone applications and learning exercises, projects requiring extensive third-party integrations or enterprise-level security considerations may still require traditional development approaches.

The broader implications of conversational coding

By shifting software development from syntax mastery to intent communication, tools like Claude Code are fundamentally changing who can participate in software creation. This transformation benefits both newcomers, who can now build functional applications without years of technical study, and experienced developers, who can accelerate their creative development process by focusing on design and functionality rather than implementation details.

This approach aligns with Anthropic’s broader vision of agentic AI—systems capable of planning, debugging, and executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Claude Code represents an early implementation of this vision, demonstrating how AI can serve as an active collaborator rather than a passive tool.

For users who have long wished that software development felt more creative and less mechanical, Claude Code’s conversational approach successfully balances logical precision with creative flexibility, making the development process feel more like collaborative problem-solving than technical puzzle-solving.

Practical applications and next steps

Vibe coding represents a significant evolution in how software gets created, making application development accessible to business professionals, creative professionals, and students who previously found programming intimidating or time-consuming. Claude Code’s browser interface, despite being in early development stages, already demonstrates the potential for AI-assisted development to transform both personal and professional software creation.

Whether you’re an experienced developer looking to accelerate prototyping workflows or a complete beginner curious about building your first application, Claude Code provides an approachable entry point into software development. The tool makes it possible to create applications, games, and websites directly from your browser, using nothing more complex than clear descriptions of what you want to build.

As this technology continues evolving, the barrier between having an idea for an application and actually building it continues to shrink, suggesting that the future of software development will be far more collaborative and accessible than its traditionally technical past.