I've been using AI coding tools for over a year now, and for the last year, Claude Code CLI has been running in my terminal every single day. But I'm not here to tell you it's perfect or that you should switch. I'm here to tell you what actually matters when you're building genuine software.
Because here's the thing: ChatGPT and Claude Code aren't really competing. They're solving different problems.
The Setup
I'm a senior full-stack developer at a healthcare software company. I build clinical systems with Node.js, MySQL, and AWS. My typical day involves fixing bugs in production, adding features to existing systems, and reviewing code from our team.
For the past 6 months, I've used Claude Code CLI as my primary coding assistant. I also use ChatGPT (with the new GPT-5 models) for specific tasks. This isn't a benchmark comparison because those tell you nothing about real work. This is what it's actually like to use both tools when you're shipping production-ready code.
What They Actually Are
ChatGPT is a web interface where you chat with an AI. You can describe problems, paste code, and get suggestions. With the new GPT-5, GPT-5.1, and GPT-5.2 models, it's legitimately smart at coding. OpenAI also has Codex (their cloud coding agent), but I'm comparing ChatGPT's web chat interface here since I did not use Codex. The reason I don't have Codex and for that much Cursor is that I use VSCode, and my God, are they eating RAM, like it's nothing.
Claude Code CLI is a terminal tool. You run it in your project directory, and it can see your entire codebase, modify files, run git commands, execute bash scripts, and use your CLI tools. It's powered by Claude Sonnet 4.5 (I can switch to Opus 4.5 for complex stuff). This was a great moment when I copied a CSV file and a screenshot directly into my CLI. I was stunned. I can still remember the time I used to copy code into the web interface, fix it there, and copy it back. It was barbaric!
That difference is everything.
When I Use ChatGPT
Let me be honest: GPT-5 is really good. Sometimes it's better than Claude at pure problem-solving. Here's when I reach for ChatGPT:
Explaining Complex Concepts: I recently needed to understand JWT security for our authentication system. I asked ChatGPT, "Explain how JWT signatures prevent tampering," and got a perfect explanation with examples. Claude could do this too, but ChatGPT's memory across conversations means it remembers my tech stack and explains things in Context I already understand.
Quick Algorithm Questions: "What's the best way to debounce API calls in Node.js?" ChatGPT nails these. Fast, accurate, done.
Brainstorming Architecture: When I'm designing a new feature, I'll sometimes paste my current system structure into ChatGPT and ask, "What are the risks here?" It's good at spotting potential issues I haven't considered. And there are always issues I have not considered. So using it as a rubber duck is a great value.
Non-coding Research: ChatGPT can conduct web searches and delve deeper into research. When I needed to understand HIPAA compliance requirements for our messaging system, ChatGPT found and synthesized information faster than Claude.
The new GPT-5 models are legitimately impressive. They're faster, better at following instructions, and excellent at frontend work. If you're using ChatGPT for coding, you're in good hands.
When I Use Claude Code CLI
But here's where Claude Code becomes indispensable: when I need to actually write, edit, or debug code in my real codebase.
Database Migrations: Last week, I needed to refactor our messaging system from message-based to conversation-based architecture. I told Claude Code: "Analyze the current messages table schema, design a conversations table that groups messages, write the migration script, and update the API endpoints."
It read my existing schema files, understood the relationships, wrote the SQL migration, found all 47 places in the codebase where we query messages, and updated them. In a day, I had working code I could review and test.
Try doing that in ChatGPT. You'd be copying and pasting files back and forth for hours.
Complex Refactors: "This Twilio webhook handler is 300 lines. Split it into smaller functions with proper error handling."
Claude Code reads the file, understands the Context from the surrounding code, makes the changes, runs the tests, sees they fail, fixes the issue, and reruns the tests. It iterates until it works.
Debugging Production Issues: Claude Code checked the webhook logs, found the retry logic was failing silently, traced it through the codebase, identified we weren't handling it, and fixed it. While I was watching in the terminal, I could stop or redirect it at any time.
Working with My Actual Tools: Claude Code can use git, pnpm, MySQL CLI, AWS CLI – whatever tools I have installed. It doesn't just suggest commands; it runs them, sees the output, and adjusts accordingly.
This is the real difference. ChatGPT gives you solutions you have to implement manually. Claude Code implements them in your actual codebase. Of course, if I used Codex, ChatGPT would be much more valuable. No back-and-forth between interface and IDE, Context switching my entire codebase, but then why not use Cursor, which is a much better choice?
The Honest Comparison
ChatGPT is better at:
- Quick questions with fast answers
- Research and finding information
- Explaining concepts clearly
- Brainstorming and architecture discussion
- Working when you don't have direct access to your codebase
- Conversations that build on each other (it has memory)
Claude Code is better at:
- Multi-file changes across your codebase
- Actually writing and editing code in place
- Iterating on changes based on test results
- Using your CLI tools and seeing real output
- Understanding project Context from your entire repository
- Tasks that require multiple steps with verification
What ChatGPT is NOT: An integrated development tool. You'll be doing a lot of copy-paste.
What Claude Code is NOT: A conversationalist. It's a tool that lives in your terminal and does work.
The Reality Check
Here's what nobody tells you: you'll probably use both.
I use Claude Code CLI for 90% of my coding work. It's open in my terminal all day. When I need to add a feature, fix a bug, or refactor something, that's Claude Code.
But when I need to understand a new concept quickly, research a library, or think through architecture decisions before touching code, I'll open ChatGPT.
And sometimes Claude Code will run into a problem I don't understand, so I'll copy the error into ChatGPT and ask, "Why is this happening?" ChatGPT explains it, and I go back to Claude Code and tell it how to fix it.
What Actually Matters
After 1 year of daily use, here's what I've learned:
The model quality isn't the main factor. Yes, GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet 4.5 are both excellent. You're not going to fail because you picked the "wrong" AI model.
What matters is: Does the tool fit your actual workflow?
If you code in a browser or your codebase is small and you can easily copy-paste, ChatGPT works great.
If you work in a terminal, have a large codebase, and want the AI actually to make changes for you, Claude Code CLI is life-changing.
If you're building production software that requires iteration, testing, and verification, Claude Code's ability to run commands and see real output is invaluable.
My Setup
For Context, here's what I run:
- Claude Code CLI in the terminal (Sonnet 4.5, switch to Opus 4.5 for complex tasks)
- MCP servers integrated: Jira and MySQL
- ChatGPT Plus subscription for research and quick questions
- Both cost roughly the same per month (~$20-30)
I'm not loyal to either. I use whichever tool fits the job. Usually, that's Claude Code for coding, ChatGPT for everything else.
Bottom Line
Don't get caught up in "which is better?" That's the wrong question.
Ask: "What am I actually trying to do?"
Need to understand something? ChatGPT. Need to build something in your codebase? Claude Code. Need both? Use both.
The best setup is the one that gets you shipping code faster without fighting your tools. For me, that's Claude Code CLI for development work and ChatGPT for research and explanation. Your mileage will vary based on how you work.
The AI coding wars make for great Twitter drama, but in reality, we're just developers trying to build software. Use the tools that help you do that. Don't overthink it.
Ready to Experience Claude Code?
If you're convinced and want to get started with Claude Code, now's the perfect time. Claude gift cards are available this holiday season - whether you're treating yourself or gifting a fellow developer, it's a great way to get access to Claude's powerful capabilities.
