Chat, Cowork, and Code are all included in your Syracuse Claude Enterprise account, and they are built for different kinds of work. Chat keeps you in the loop for every step, Cowork takes on a whole task and hands back a draft to review, and Code works directly in a codebase. Cowork and Code are designed around the desktop app, which lets Claude work with files on your computer. If you are unsure which mode suits your task, reach out to aihelp@syr.edu.
Chat, Cowork, and Code: three ways to use Claude
Overview
Your Syracuse Claude Enterprise account includes three ways to work, all at no cost. Chat is the everyday assistant for asking questions, writing, summarizing, and analysis - it runs in any browser, in the desktop app, and on your phone. Cowork is for multi-step tasks that span several files or stages: you describe the outcome, let Claude do the work, then review what comes back - it is designed around files on your computer, so the desktop app is the way to use it. Code has Claude work directly inside a codebase, reading a project, editing across files, and running commands to check its own work - it runs in the terminal, in VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, and in the desktop app. Most people start with Chat and grow into the other two.
Steps
Chat: use it in a browser, the desktop app, or on your phone for questions, writing, summarizing, and analysis - conversations follow you across all three.
Cowork: hand Claude a task that spans several files or stages, then review the finished draft - use the desktop app, since Cowork works with files on your computer.
Code: point Claude at a project so it can read, edit across files, and run commands - use it in the terminal, in VS Code or JetBrains IDEs, or in the desktop app.
Not sure which fits your task? Email aihelp@syr.edu.
Official links
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