Pick the Right Tool for You
You have two great options in the Claude desktop app. Both can build what we worked on in the session. The difference is setup.
Cowork
Cowork runs in a cloud sandbox with Python already installed. You don't need Git, you don't need Python on your machine, and you don't need IT. Open the Claude desktop app, switch to Cowork, and start building. It can access your local folders and handles most of what CMOs want to build.
Best for: Workflows, automations, file-based tasks, and single-file builds. Handles 80% of what you'll want to do.
Claude Code Desktop
Claude Code Desktop also accesses your local files, but goes further. It can run complex, multi-file builds, execute code directly on your machine using your local developer tools, and handle projects that need a full technical environment. It's what we trained on in the session and it's worth getting set up.
Best for: Multi-file apps, advanced dashboards, code-heavy projects, and builds that require your local developer tools (Python, Node.js, etc.).
Tools You Need to Run Claude Code
Git (required)
Claude Code Desktop won't start without it. This is what caused the setup friction in our session. Git is a version control tool that lets Claude track and undo changes safely.
Python 3 (strongly recommended)
This is what Claude uses to verify numbers, run calculations, and check formulas. Without it, Claude falls back to simpler tools that work but are more limited.
Node.js 18+ (required)
Claude Code Desktop runs on this. Your IT team will know what it is.
For personal machines, ask Claude itself to walk you through installation for your specific machine. It will detect your OS and give you step-by-step instructions.
As you get more serious about building, consider getting a GitHub account — a place to store and manage code-heavy builds. Claude can help you set it up and keep it organized.
Understanding the Stack
There are four categories of tools that make agentic work possible. You only need the first one today.
Agentic Coding Tool
Where you talk to AI
Claude Code, OpenAI Codex
Where you talk to the AI and it builds. To run on your machine, it needs a few enablers installed: Git, Python 3, and Node.js.
Code Editor
Where developers code
VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor
Where developers read and edit code directly. Optional for you. Gives you more visibility into the process and how it's using the file system.
Deployment Platform
Where apps go live
Vercel, Netlify, AWS, Cloudflare, Fly.io
Where web apps and tools go live. For when you're ready to ship.
Code Repository
Where code is stored
GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
Where code is stored and versioned. Think of it as Google Drive for code.
Want to Go Deeper?
Whether you want to build out your own CMO productivity suite or discuss what our approach to AI transformation looks like, we'd love to talk.
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