[FEATURE] Chat only mode in Claude Code and Claude Desktop

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

I often want to chat in a current code session about what we are working on, without claude actually making code changes based on what we are chatting about. Cursor has this by default. I want it here, not only in Cowork or Chat separate session, as I want to give it context of what I am working on.

Currently I have to manually type that it shouldn't make code changes based on the current conversation, I have to tell it that we are brainstorming, and that I am not planning on implementing immediately.

Plan mode really doesn't suffice. Many of my friends complain about this, and I couldn't reopen the previous issue.

Proposed Solution

A Chat toggle in the Code session, there where you toggle between Auto, Plan, Manual etc. One must be able to toggle "Chat", for chat only features.

Alternative Solutions

No alternative solution, do it this way. Other platforms has proved its usefulness.

Priority

High - Significant impact on productivity

Feature Category

Interactive mode (TUI)

Use Case Example

1. I am busy working on a complex task.
2. I want to ask a question and brainstorm the solution without code changes.
3. I want to toggle "Chat" for chat only within this context session.
4. I send a message and only receive a response. No code edits.
5. Great success!

Additional Context

<img width="848" height="217" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e2efb284-93a2-4e24-a0b8-e3af63d494e8" />