# OpenClaw vs Claude Code Feature Map

Builder reference for the agent-system-design skill. For each capability, the table shows
what to scaffold when Claude Code is the target runtime.

## Capability Coverage

| # | Capability | Status | What to scaffold | Min CC version |
|---|-----------|--------|-----------------|---------------|
| 1 | Agent Runtime | OK | `CLAUDE.md` + `settings.json` | v2.1.84 |
| 2 | Shell Execution | OK | `hooks/pre-tool-use.sh` + deny list in `settings.json` | v2.1.78 |
| 3 | File I/O | OK | `settings.json` allow list under `permissions.allow` | baseline |
| 4 | Web Search | OK | `settings.json` allow list (WebSearch tool) | baseline |
| 5 | Browser | OK | `.mcp.json` with Playwright server entry | external |
| 6 | Computer Use | Docs | README note: Desktop app required, not available headless | v2.1.86 |
| 7 | Memory | Partial | `memory/MEMORY.md` + memory block in `CLAUDE.md` | v2.1.32 |
| 8 | Multi-Agent | OK | `.claude/agents/*.md` subagent definitions | v2.1.32 |
| 9 | Messaging | Partial | `.mcp.json` Slack server + channels guide in README | v2.1.80 |
| 10 | Model Providers | Partial | `model:` frontmatter in agent `.md` files | baseline |
| 11 | Cron/Automation | OK | `automation.sh` wrapper + `launchd.plist` or `crontab` entry | v2.1.71 |
| 12 | Always-On | Partial | `launchd`/`systemd` service + `tmux` session guide | infra |
| 13 | Plugin System | OK | Plugin manifest (`plugin.json` + `CLAUDE.md`) | v2.1.84 |
| 14 | Skills | OK | `.claude/skills/*.md` skill definitions | baseline |
| 15 | Security | OK | Hooks + permissions deny list + audit log | v2.1.78 |
| 16 | Voice/TTS | Docs | README note: MCP-based approach, no native support | N/A |
| 17 | Companion Apps | Docs | README refs to Desktop app and Dispatch channel | v2.1.85 |
| 18 | Gateway | Partial | `/schedule` skill + HTTP webhook hooks | v2.1.63 |
| 19 | Canvas/A2UI | Gap | Playwright workaround only, no native equivalent | N/A |
| 20 | Configuration | OK | `settings.json` + `CLAUDE.md` hierarchy | v2.1.84 |
| 21 | Chat Commands | OK | `.claude/skills/*.md` (slash commands) | baseline |
| 22 | CLI | OK | Wrapper scripts (`automation.sh`, `run-agent.sh`) | baseline |

**Score: 13 full OK (59%) | 8 different approach/Partial/Docs (36%) | 1 gap (5%)**
**Minimum version for full coverage: v2.1.86** (Computer Use requires Desktop app)

## Status Key

| Status | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| OK | Native Claude Code equivalent, scaffold directly |
| Partial | Functional but requires workaround or external integration |
| Docs | No runtime equivalent; document the limitation and alternative |
| Gap | No practical equivalent in Claude Code today |

## Scaffold Actions by Status

**OK** -- Generate the file(s) listed in "What to scaffold". Standard templates apply.

**Partial** -- Scaffold what exists, add a `## Limitations` section to the README noting
the gap and the workaround. Do not promise feature parity.

**Docs** -- Add a `## Notes` section to the README only. Do not scaffold non-existent
infrastructure. Link to the relevant Anthropic documentation or issue.

**Gap** -- Add a `## Known Gaps` section. Acknowledge the gap, document the workaround
(Playwright for Canvas/A2UI), and note if it is on the roadmap.

## Claude Code Ecosystem Map

How Claude Code components map to the OpenClaw product family:

| Claude Code component | OpenClaw equivalent | Notes |
|----------------------|--------------------|----|
| Claude Code CLI | OpenClaw core agent | Headless, full tool access |
| Claude Code Desktop | OpenClaw + macOS app | Adds Computer Use, GUI |
| Cowork | OpenClaw for non-developers | Simplified UX, no CLI |
| Dispatch | Telegram/WhatsApp channels | Mobile access layer |
| `/schedule` skill | HEARTBEAT.md cron | Scheduled agent triggers |
| Anthropic Agent SDK | OpenClaw API | Managed agents via `/v1/agents` |

## Version Compatibility Notes

- **baseline**: Available since first public Claude Code release; no version gate.
- **external**: Depends on MCP server availability, not Claude Code version.
- **infra**: Depends on the deployment host (macOS/Linux), not Claude Code version.
- **N/A**: Not applicable to Claude Code; alternative approach required.

When scaffolding for a specific Claude Code version, check that all required capabilities
meet the min version. If the user's version is below v2.1.86, exclude Computer Use from
the feature set and document it under Known Gaps.