Getting Started with Claude Cowork
Your complete guide to installing and using Claude Cowork for the first time
What You'll Learn
This tutorial will guide you through everything you need to start using Claude Cowork, from creating your account to having your first productive conversation with Claude.
Step-by-Step Guide
Create Your Claude Account
Start by creating an account at claude.ai to access Claude Cowork.
Visit claude.ai
Navigate to [claude.ai](https://claude.ai) and click the 'Sign Up' button. You can create an account using your email address or through Google authentication.
Complete Your Profile
Fill in your basic information and agree to the terms of service. Make sure to use a professional email address that you check regularly.
Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link to activate your account.
Pro Tips
- •Use a strong, unique password for your Claude account
- •Enable two-factor authentication for added security
- •Keep your account credentials in a secure password manager
Never share your Claude account credentials or API keys with others.
Get Your API Key
To use Claude Cowork, you'll need an API key for authentication.
Access the API Console
Once logged in, navigate to the API section from your account dashboard. This is where you'll manage your API keys.
Generate a New Key
Click 'Create API Key' to generate a new key. Give it a descriptive name like 'My Development Machine' so you can identify it later.
Copy and Store Your Key
Copy the API key immediately after creation. For security reasons, you won't be able to see it again. Store it securely in your environment variables or a configuration file.
# Example: Setting your API key as an environment variable
# On Linux/Mac
export CLAUDE_API_KEY='your-api-key-here'
# On Windows (Command Prompt)
set CLAUDE_API_KEY=your-api-key-here
# On Windows (PowerShell)
$env:CLAUDE_API_KEY='your-api-key-here'Pro Tips
- •Store API keys in environment variables (e.g., CLAUDE_API_KEY)
- •Never commit API keys to version control
- •Use different keys for development and production environments
API keys grant full access to your Claude account. Treat them like passwords.
Install Claude Cowork
Choose your preferred platform and install Claude Cowork.
VS Code Extension
Open VS Code, navigate to the Extensions marketplace, search for "Claude Cowork", and click Install. This is the most popular option for developers.
JetBrains Plugin
For IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, or other JetBrains IDEs, go to Settings → Plugins, search for "Claude Cowork", and install the plugin.
Desktop Application
Download the Claude desktop app from claude.ai for a standalone experience with native features and system integration.
Web Interface
Access Claude directly through your browser at claude.ai. No installation required, works on any platform.
Pro Tips
- •The VS Code extension offers the best developer experience
- •Desktop app provides keyboard shortcuts and native notifications
- •Web interface is great for quick access without installation
Configure Your Settings
Optimize Claude Cowork for your workflow and preferences.
Set Your API Key
In your Claude Cowork settings, enter the API key you generated earlier. The extension will authenticate automatically.
Choose Your Model
Select Claude 3.5 Sonnet for the best balance of speed and intelligence, or Claude Opus for the most complex tasks.
Adjust Response Length
Configure how verbose Claude's responses should be. Shorter responses are faster, longer responses provide more detail.
Enable Auto-Save
Turn on conversation auto-save so you never lose context. Conversations are stored locally by default.
Pro Tips
- •Start with default settings and adjust as you learn your preferences
- •Enable telemetry to help improve Claude (optional)
- •Set up keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions
Have Your First Conversation
Start collaborating with Claude on your first task.
Open the Claude Panel
In your IDE or app, open the Claude sidebar or panel. You'll see a clean interface ready for your input.
Start with a Greeting
Try saying 'Hello Claude, can you help me with a coding task?' to establish a friendly working relationship.
Ask a Simple Question
Start with something straightforward like 'Explain what the React useEffect hook does' to see how Claude responds.
Request Code Help
Try 'Write a Python function to reverse a string' to see Claude's code generation capabilities.
# Example: Your first conversation with Claude
You: "Hi Claude, can you help me write a function?"
Claude: "Of course! I'd be happy to help you write a function. Could you tell me:
1. What programming language are you using?
2. What should the function do?
3. Are there any specific requirements or constraints?"
You: "I need a JavaScript function that validates email addresses."
Claude: "Here's a simple email validation function using regex:
function validateEmail(email) {
const regex = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/;
return regex.test(email);
}
// Usage
console.log(validateEmail('user@example.com')); // true
console.log(validateEmail('invalid-email')); // false
This function uses a basic regex pattern to check if the email format is valid..."Pro Tips
- •Be specific and clear in your requests
- •Provide context about your project and goals
- •Don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions
- •Give feedback on Claude's responses to improve future interactions
Practice Safety Best Practices
Keep your data and code secure while using Claude Cowork.
Review Before Pasting
Before sharing code with Claude, remove sensitive data like API keys, passwords, or personal information.
Sanitize Input
Replace real credentials with placeholders like 'YOUR_API_KEY' or 'example@example.com' when asking for help.
Understand Context Limits
Claude remembers the current conversation, but be mindful that very long conversations may need to be summarized or restarted.
Verify Generated Code
Always review and test code that Claude generates. Understand what it does before using it in production.
Pro Tips
- •Never share passwords, API keys, or confidential data
- •Review generated code for security vulnerabilities
- •Keep your API key secure and rotate it periodically
- •Use .env files and .gitignore to protect sensitive files
Code generated by AI should always be reviewed and tested before deployment to production.
What's Next?
Congratulations! You've successfully set up Claude Cowork and had your first conversation. You're now ready to explore more advanced features.
You've Achieved:
- Created your Claude account and API key
- Installed Claude Cowork on your preferred platform
- Configured your settings for optimal performance
- Had your first productive conversation with Claude
- Learned essential safety practices
Continue Learning:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude Cowork free to use?
Claude offers a generous free tier that's perfect for personal projects and learning. Paid plans are available for teams and enterprise users who need higher limits and additional features.
What programming languages does Claude support?
Claude Cowork supports virtually all programming languages including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C++, Go, Rust, and many more. It can also help with HTML, CSS, SQL, and configuration files.
Can I use Claude Cowork offline?
Claude Cowork requires an internet connection to communicate with Claude's servers. However, the desktop app and some extensions offer offline viewing of past conversations.
How do I know if my API key is working?
After setting up your API key, try having a conversation with Claude. If you receive responses, your key is working correctly. You'll see an authentication error if there's a problem.
What should I do if Claude gives me incorrect code?
Claude is highly accurate but can occasionally make mistakes. Always review and test generated code. If you spot an error, let Claude know—it will learn from the feedback and provide corrections.