free-claude-code
Use Claude Code for free in the terminal, VSCode extension, or via Discord
free-claude-code is a lightweight proxy AI sub-agent that enables developers to use Claude Code CLI and VSCode extension without an Anthropic API key. It transparently intercepts Anthropic API requests and routes them to free or local alternatives including NVIDIA NIM (40 req/min free tier), OpenRouter (hundreds of models), or LM Studio (fully local). The proxy includes intelligent request optimization that intercepts trivial API calls locally, per-model routing to mix providers, and support for thinking tokens and tool use parsing. It also offers a Discord/Telegram bot interface for remote autonomous coding with session management and live progress streaming.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Running Claude Code CLI and VSCode extension for free during development without Anthropic API costs
- 02Testing and comparing different LLM models by routing different Claude model tiers to various providers
- 03Working offline with fully local LM Studio models for privacy-sensitive coding tasks
- 04Managing autonomous coding tasks remotely through Discord or Telegram with session persistence
- 05Developing and prototyping with Claude Code while staying within free tier limits across multiple providers
- 06Extending Claude Code capabilities by adding custom LLM providers or messaging platform integrations
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free-claude-code — FAQ
What is free-claude-code?+
free-claude-code is a proxy server that routes Claude Code's Anthropic API calls to alternative free or local LLM providers including NVIDIA NIM, OpenRouter, and LM Studio. It works as a drop-in replacement requiring no modifications to Claude Code CLI or the VSCode extension.
How do I install and configure free-claude-code?+
Clone the repository, copy .env.example to .env, add your chosen provider's API key (or skip for LM Studio), then start the proxy with 'uv run uvicorn server:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8082'. Run Claude Code with ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL='http://localhost:8082' and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN='freecc' environment variables set.
Which AI clients work with free-claude-code?+
free-claude-code works with Claude Code CLI and the Claude Code VSCode extension. It can also be controlled remotely via Discord or Telegram bots for autonomous coding sessions.
Do I need an API key to use free-claude-code?+
You need an API key for NVIDIA NIM (free at build.nvidia.com) or OpenRouter (free tier available at openrouter.ai/keys), but LM Studio runs fully local with no API key required. The proxy does not require an Anthropic API key.
Is free-claude-code free to use?+
Yes, the proxy itself is MIT licensed and free. NVIDIA NIM offers 40 requests per minute free, OpenRouter has free models available, and LM Studio is completely free and runs locally with unlimited usage.
What are the prerequisites for running free-claude-code?+
You need Python 3.14, uv package manager installed and updated, Claude Code installed, and an API key for your chosen provider (NVIDIA NIM or OpenRouter) unless using LM Studio locally.
How do I install free-claude-code?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. free-claude-code is a agent — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is free-claude-code free?+
free-claude-code is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.