Claude Cowork Fluency Quiz

Q: What is Claude Cowork?

Claude Cowork is Anthropic's AI agent framework that gives Claude direct access to your local file system through a sandboxed virtual machine. Unlike Claude Chat, Cowork can read, edit, and create files on your machine without manual uploads, coordinate multiple sub-agents for parallel work, and maintain persistent preferences through context files (CLAUDE.md). It runs through the Claude Desktop app.

Q: How is Claude Cowork different from Claude Chat?

Claude Chat responds to messages only. Claude Cowork has direct local file access, runs multi-step tasks autonomously, coordinates parallel sub-agents, maintains session preferences via context files (CLAUDE.md), and supports automation through Routines and Scheduled Tasks. Cowork is Claude with hands — it can act on your machine, not just advise.

Q: How do context files work in Claude Cowork?

Context files (typically named CLAUDE.md) are plain text files placed in your working folder. Claude reads them at the start of every Cowork session, making them a form of persistent memory. They store your preferences, tone guidelines, project-specific rules, and any information you want Claude to remember across sessions without being re-stated.

Q: What is Dispatch in Claude Cowork?

Dispatch is the remote control feature in Claude Cowork. While a task is running on your desktop, Dispatch lets you message and steer that session from your phone. It is remote control, not remote execution — the task still runs on your local machine. You can check progress, give feedback, or adjust direction without being at your desk.

Q: What is the difference between Routines and Scheduled Tasks in Claude Cowork?

Scheduled Tasks are desktop-bound: they only run when the Claude Desktop app is open and your computer is awake. Routines are cloud-native: they run in Anthropic's infrastructure even when your laptop is closed. Routines are the right choice for overnight automation or any task that needs to run while you're away from your machine.

Q: What are Plugins and Skills in Claude Cowork?

A Skill is the atomic unit in Cowork — a set of instructions telling Claude how to handle a specific task or workflow. A Plugin is the distribution layer: a full installable package that bundles multiple Skills, Connectors (MCP servers), and sub-agents into a toolkit for a role or domain. Think of Skills as recipes and Plugins as full cookbooks.

Question 1

What is the fundamental difference between Claude Chat and Claude Cowork?

Accepted Answer

Cowork can read, edit, and create files on your machine without manual uploads. Cowork's core superpower is direct local file access via a sandboxed VM. Chat just responds to messages.

Question 2

What happens if you close the Claude Desktop app while a Cowork task is running?

Accepted Answer

The session ends and the task stops. Cowork runs locally — no open app, no running task. Routines (cloud-hosted) are the exception.

Question 3

What's the most reliable way to enforce global preferences across every Cowork session?

Accepted Answer

Create a context file (e.g. CLAUDE.md) in your working folder with your preferences. Context files are persistent memory across sessions — restating preferences every task is the #1 beginner mistake.

Question 4

How does Claude Cowork handle analysing 50 documents in parallel?

Accepted Answer

It may spin up multiple sub-agents working in parallel, each with its own fresh context. Sub-agent coordination is automatic — Claude decides when parallel execution makes sense.

Question 5

What is the difference between a Skill and a Plugin in Claude Cowork?

Accepted Answer

A Skill is a set of instructions for a specific task — the atomic unit. A Plugin bundles multiple Skills, Connectors, and sub-agents into a single installable package — the distribution layer for a role or workflow.

Question 6

Do Scheduled Tasks in Claude Cowork run when your laptop is closed?

Accepted Answer

No. Scheduled Tasks are desktop-bound — they only run if your computer is awake and Claude Desktop is open. Routines are the cloud-hosted alternative.

Question 7

What does Cowork do before permanently deleting files?

Accepted Answer

Cowork requires your explicit permission with a confirmation prompt before any permanent deletion. Deletion protection is a hard guardrail.

Question 8

What does the Dispatch feature in Claude Cowork do?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch lets you message your desktop Cowork session remotely from your phone to steer or check progress. It is remote control, not remote execution — the task still runs on your desktop.

Question 9

What does bundling an MCP server with a Skill file provide in Claude Cowork?

Accepted Answer

The raw tool capability from MCP plus an opinionated playbook for using it effectively. MCP gives Claude the tools; the Skill file tells Claude how to use them well for your specific workflow.

Question 10

What is the key architectural difference between Scheduled Tasks and Routines in Claude Cowork?

Accepted Answer

Scheduled Tasks run on your local desktop while it's open. Routines run in the cloud even when your laptop is closed — they are cloud-native and keep running regardless of whether the Claude Desktop app is open.