native-claude-client
Native GTK4 Client for Claude with Agentic Development Workflows
A native Linux desktop application for Claude that goes beyond chat. This is an agentic development environment with multi-session contexts, review-first git workflows, and unified limit tracking — built for developers who build with Claude.
Why native-claude-client?
Developer-specific problems need developer-focused solutions
Context Switching Pain
Claude Desktop requires separate windows for different tasks. Juggling multiple branches, features, or experiments means juggling multiple instances and losing track of which conversation is which.
Solution: Multi-session interface with labeled contexts (v0.2+)
Blind Commits
Can't easily review what Claude changed before committing. You either trust it completely or manually diff everything in another tool. Neither is ideal.
Solution: Review-first git workflow with visual diffs (v0.1 read-only, v0.3 interactive)
Usage Anxiety
No clear visibility into Claude usage limits. You don't know how close you are to running out until you hit the wall, disrupting your flow.
Solution: Unified limit tracking integrated into UI (v0.1)
Not Truly Native
Claude Desktop is Electron, running through XWayland on Linux. Heavy memory footprint, inconsistent font rendering, no proper system tray integration.
Solution: Native GTK4 on Wayland, lightweight, proper Linux integration (v0.1)
Features
Built for developers, by developers
🗂️ Multiple Sessions
Work on different branches, tasks, or experiments in parallel. Each session maintains its own conversation history and context.
v0.2 Multi-Session🔍 Diff Viewer
See exactly what files Claude touched and what changed. Review before committing. Start with read-only visualization, grow to interactive staging.
v0.1 MVP (read-only)📊 Limit Tracking
Integrated display of Claude usage limits. Know exactly where you stand with real-time updates and visual warnings at critical thresholds.
v0.1 MVP💾 Session Persistence
Pick up exactly where you left off. Conversations persist across app restarts with automatic save and restore.
v0.1 MVP✅ Review-First Git
Interactive git workflow: review diffs, stage hunks, write commit messages, and push — all without leaving the app.
v0.3 Git Integration🔌 Plugin Architecture
Extensible system for community plugins. Add your own workflows, integrations, and custom features.
v1.0 Full ReleaseRoadmap
Clear milestones with realistic timelines
v0.1 MVP — Single-Session Foundation
Goal: Working single-session client with basic diff viewer
- Native GTK4 window (Wayland-ready)
- Claude API integration with Desktop token auth
- Markdown rendering for responses
- Basic diff viewer (read-only file comparison)
- Limit tracking display
- Session persistence
v0.2 Multi-Session — Parallel Contexts
Goal: Multiple parallel Claude sessions in one window
- Tabbed or paned session interface
- Per-session limit tracking
- Session labeling and organization
- Context isolation between sessions
v0.3 Git Integration — Review-First Workflow
Goal: Interactive git workflow integrated into UI
- Interactive diff staging (select hunks)
- Commit message composer
- Branch switcher
- Git status visualization
v1.0 Full Release — Production Ready
Goal: Polished, production-ready agentic environment
- GNOME HIG compliance (full polish)
- Plugin architecture
- Complete documentation
- Stable API for plugins
Get Involved
We're in the planning phase — the perfect time to shape the project. Share your workflow pain points, vote on design decisions, and help build something that solves real developer problems.