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claude-code-complete-agent/security/permission-modes-explained.md
Kjell Tore Guttormsen e8a5403f91 feat: add Computer Use, Remote Control, Auto Mode, and Cowork integration
Major update based on Anthropic's March 24, 2026 releases:

- feature-map.md: expanded from 20 to 22 capabilities, gaps reduced
  from 2 to 1 (only Canvas/A2UI remains)
- examples/11-computer-use: desktop control via screenshots and clicks
- examples/12-remote-control: /rc and Dispatch for phone control
- examples/13-auto-mode: AI safety classifier for autonomous execution
- cowork-integration/: how Code + Cowork + Dispatch together replicate
  OpenClaw's full feature set
- security/auto-mode-explained.md: deep-dive on the new permission mode
- Updated README with broader ecosystem table and revised scores

Score: 12 full match (55%), 9 different approach (41%), 1 gap (4%)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-03-26 10:04:05 +01:00

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# Permission Modes
Claude Code has four permission modes that control how much
autonomy the agent has. This is the first line of defense.
## The three modes
### 1. Default mode (recommended for learning)
Claude Code asks permission before every potentially dangerous
action: writing files, running shell commands, making web requests.
You approve or deny each one.
```
Claude wants to run: npm install express
Allow? [y/n/always]
```
**OpenClaw equivalent:** DM pairing with exec approvals enabled.
### 2. Auto-edit mode (`--allowedTools`)
You pre-approve specific tools and patterns. Claude Code runs
those without asking but still prompts for everything else.
Configured in `.claude/settings.json`:
```json
{
"permissions": {
"allow": [
"Read",
"Write",
"Bash(npm test)",
"Bash(ls:*)"
]
}
}
```
**OpenClaw equivalent:** Tool allowlists per agent/session.
### 3. Auto Mode (`--enable-auto-mode`)
An AI safety classifier (Sonnet 4.6) reviews every tool call
before execution. Safe actions proceed automatically. Risky
actions are blocked and Claude is redirected.
```bash
claude --enable-auto-mode
# Or press Shift+Tab in a session to cycle to Auto Mode
```
Performance: 0.4% false positive rate, 5.7% false negative rate.
**Best for:**
- Autonomous coding workflows
- Test-fix-test loops
- Any task where constant approvals break flow
**OpenClaw equivalent:** Default autonomous mode with Docker sandbox.
Different philosophy: Auto Mode prevents dangerous actions before
execution. OpenClaw's sandbox contains damage after execution.
See `auto-mode-explained.md` for the full deep-dive.
### 4. Bypass mode (`--dangerously-skip-permissions`)
No permission checks at all. Claude Code executes everything.
**Never use this for:**
- Untrusted code or repos
- Automated pipelines without hooks
- Any environment with sensitive data
**Only appropriate for:**
- Isolated sandbox environments
- Testing with expendable data
- CI/CD with compensating controls (hooks)
**OpenClaw equivalent:** Elevated mode with Docker sandbox.
## How permission modes interact with hooks
Hooks run regardless of permission mode. Even in bypass mode,
a PreToolUse hook can block dangerous commands. This is your
safety net.
```
Permission mode: decides IF Claude Code can use a tool
Hooks: decide HOW the tool can be used
Settings deny list: decides WHICH tools exist at all
```
## Recommendation
Start with default mode. Move to auto-edit once you understand
which operations you trust. Graduate to Auto Mode when you want
autonomous execution with AI safety. Never use bypass mode
outside of sandboxes.