Explore Claude Tools: Build a Data Dashboard
Try AI chat, a code agent, and desktop automation by building a salary dashboard
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to complete
60 minutes
Availability
Free
BUILD
What you'll build
Compare Claude.ai, Claude Code, and Cowork by building an interactive salary dashboard. Learn when to use each tool for exploration, building, and organization.
1. Set Up Claude Account
Sign in to Claude Pro, download the cloud salary dataset, and create your project folder.
2. Explore Data with Claude.ai
Upload your CSV to the browser chat and generate interactive salary charts with Artifacts.
3. Build Dashboard with Claude Code
Install the terminal agent, connect to your files, and build an HTML dashboard with Chart.js.
4. Organize with Cowork
Install Claude Desktop, share your project folder, and let Cowork organize everything autonomously.
5. Compare and Document
Review outputs from each tool, identify use cases, and create your decision framework cheat sheet.
Your portfolio builds as you work.
Every project documents itself as you go. Finish the work, and your proof is ready to share.
PROJECT
Real world application
Skills you'll learn
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Conversational Data Analysis
Ask questions about datasets in natural language and get instant visualizations
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AI-Assisted Coding
Build web applications using natural language prompts instead of writing code manually
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File System Automation
Organize and manage project files automatically with autonomous AI agents
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Interactive Visualizations
Create Chart.js dashboards with filtering, tooltips, and responsive design features
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Tool Selection Strategy
Identify the right AI tool for exploration, building, or organization tasks
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Terminal Navigation
Navigate directories, run commands, and manage local development environments confidently
Tech stack
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Claude.ai
Browser-based AI chat for exploring data, generating visualizations, and quick conversations
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Claude Code
AI coding agent that works in your terminal to build applications from natural language prompts
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Claude Co-work
Desktop automation agent that organizes files and manages projects autonomously
OUTCOME
Where this leads.
Relevant Jobs
Roles where these skills matter:
- Data Analyst
- AI Tools Specialist
- Product Manager
- Business Intelligence Developer
AI Fundamentals
Go from zero to shipping AI applications with hands-on projects covering local models, APIs, deployment, and AI-assisted coding.
AI Fundamentals
Continue the JourneyFAQs
Everything you need to know
No! This project is designed for complete beginners. You'll use natural language to tell Claude what to build, and it writes the code for you. The focus is on learning when to use each tool, not on programming.
The free plan only gives you access to Claude.ai chat. Claude Pro ($20/mo) unlocks Claude Code (terminal agent) and Cowork (desktop automation), which are essential for this project.
Claude.ai runs in your browser and works with uploaded files—perfect for exploration. Claude Code runs in your terminal and works with local files—best for building permanent projects.
Yes! Claude Code and Claude Desktop work on macOS, Windows (10 x64+), and Linux. The tutorial includes platform-specific installation instructions for all operating systems.
You'll create an interactive HTML dashboard with Chart.js visualizations, organized project files, and a personal decision framework for choosing the right Claude tool for any task.
Claude Code is for writing and executing code in the terminal. Cowork is for organizing, renaming, and managing files in the desktop app. Think coding assistant vs. project manager.
One Project. Real Skills.
60 minutes from now, you'll have completed Explore Claude Tools: Build a Data Dashboard. No prior experience needed. Just step-by-step guidance and a real project for your portfolio.
Beginner-friendly