8.1 — Claude Code in VS Code
The VS Code extension is the most accessible surface for using Claude Code without leaving your editor. It installs from the marketplace (Cmd+Shift+X, search for "Claude Code") and opens an integrated panel directly inside the interface. You get inline diffs, @-mentions of files, plan review and conversation history, all without switching to a terminal.
The daily workflow relies on the side panel. You select code, launch the command palette (Cmd+Shift+P > "Claude Code"), and send an instruction. The diff appears inline in the editor, you accept or reject each modification. For targeted tasks (fix, explanation, small refactoring), it's the shortest path between the problem and the solution.
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