Learn the Claude API

Clear, practical guides to getting a key, understanding pricing, choosing a model, and integrating Claude into your tools.

Guide

How to Get a Claude API Key

A step-by-step guide to getting a Claude API key and making your first request — with Python, TypeScript, and curl examples.

Guide

Claude API Pricing, Explained

Understand how Claude API pricing works — input vs output tokens, prompt caching, and how to estimate the cost of a request.

Guide

The Cheapest Way to Use the Claude API

Practical ways to reduce your Claude API bill without losing quality — model selection, prompt caching, output limits, and more.

Guide

Using the Claude API with Cursor

Configure Cursor to use a Claude API key through an Anthropic-compatible gateway — base URL, model, and key setup.

Guide

Using the Claude API with Claude Code

Point Claude Code at a Claude API key through an Anthropic-compatible gateway — set the base URL and start coding.

Guide

Claude API Gateway vs. Anthropic Direct

An honest comparison of using a Claude API gateway versus the Anthropic API directly — cost, access, and trade-offs.

Guide

Using Claude Through an OpenAI-Compatible API

Call Claude models using the OpenAI Chat Completions format — useful for tools and SDKs built around OpenAI.

Guide

Claude Models Compared

A practical comparison of the Claude model family — Opus 4.8, Sonnet 4.6, Haiku 4.5, and Fable 5 — and when to use each.

Guide

What 'Unlimited' Claude API Access Means

An honest look at flat-rate unlimited Claude plans — how they work, fair-use rate limits, and who they suit.

Guide

Paying for the Claude API with Crypto

How to pay for Claude API access using cryptocurrency — supported coins and how the prepaid balance works.

Guide

Claude API Access Without a Waitlist

Get Claude API access instantly without an Anthropic account or waitlist, in most regions worldwide.

Guide

How to Reduce Claude Token Usage

Concrete techniques to use fewer tokens on the Claude API without hurting output quality.

Guide

Using the Claude API with Cline

Configure the Cline VS Code extension to use a Claude API key through an Anthropic-compatible gateway.

Guide

Using the Claude API with Roo Code

Set up Roo Code to use Claude through an Anthropic-compatible gateway - base URL, key, and model.

Guide

Using the Claude API in JetBrains IDEs

Use Claude in IntelliJ, PyCharm, and other JetBrains IDEs via Continue or compatible plugins with an Anthropic-compatible gateway.

Guide

Using the Claude API with Aider

Run the Aider command-line coding assistant with a Claude API key through an Anthropic-compatible gateway.

Guide

Using the Claude API in VS Code

Use Claude inside VS Code through extensions like Cline, Roo Code, or Continue with an Anthropic-compatible gateway.

Guide

Using the Claude API with OpenCode

Configure the OpenCode terminal agent to use Claude through an Anthropic-compatible gateway.

Guide

Running the Hermes Agent on the Claude API

Use the Hermes autonomous agent with a Claude API key through an Anthropic-compatible gateway - setup and cost control.

Guide

Running OpenClaw on the Claude API

Use the OpenClaw open-source agent framework with a self-hosted setup on a discounted Claude API gateway.

Guide

What an Anthropic-Compatible API Means

Understand Anthropic-compatible APIs - the Messages API format, and how a drop-in gateway works with existing Claude code.