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4.5

The Companion

Estimated time: 40 minTool: VS Code, Claude Desktop (or Cursor)
After this drill, you can:

After this drill, you are using Claude Desktop (or Cursor) as an active companion during development — asking it to explain, suggest, and guide rather than just answering questions.

Why this matters

Most developers use AI like a search engine: ask a question, get an answer, close the tab. The Companion mode is different: you keep the AI open alongside your editor, maintain a conversation about the code you are working on, and use it as a continuous thought partner. This is how professional AI-augmented developers work — and it is the foundation for the fully autonomous sessions in Module 5.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Open Claude Desktop beside VS Code (side-by-side windows)

    Resize both windows to sit side by side. Claude Desktop on the left, VS Code on the right — or use two monitors if you have them.

  2. 2

    Give Claude Desktop your project context

    Paste your README or use the context-setting prompt below. This is the manual version of what CLAUDE.md does in Module 5 — you'll see why CLAUDE.md exists after doing this manually.

  3. 3

    Work on one meaningful change with Claude as your guide

    Pick a feature from your app you want to add or improve. Use Claude as your guide for the entire process: planning, implementation, troubleshooting.

  4. 4

    Note how many times you re-explained context

    Count the number of prompts where you had to re-explain what your app does. In Module 5, CLAUDE.md eliminates this.

The prompt

PROMPT — Start a Companion SessionModel: Claude Desktop
I'm going to work on my web application project with you as my development companion.

Here is my project context:
- What it is: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION]
- Tech stack: [e.g. React, Tailwind CSS, Vite]
- What I am working on today: [THE SPECIFIC FEATURE OR FIX]

Keep this context in mind for our entire session. When I share code, assume it is from this project unless I tell you otherwise.

First task: I want to [DESCRIBE FIRST CHANGE]. Where in my code should I make this change?

Success criteria

  • ✓You completed one meaningful change using Claude Desktop as companion
  • ✓You maintained a continuous conversation rather than isolated questions
  • ✓You counted how many times you had to re-explain project context
  • ✓You can articulate why Claude.md (Module 5) would make this workflow better

Common mistakes

Closing and reopening Claude Desktop between questions

→ The companion mode requires maintaining a single conversation. Each new conversation loses all context. Keep the same window open throughout your work session.

Using Claude for lookups instead of guidance

→ "How do I center a div?" is a search query. "I'm trying to center this component in my layout — here's my current code, what's the best approach for my situation?" is companion mode.