> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tensorx.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tensorx.ai/ai-coding-assistants/claude-code-cli.md). # Claude Code CLI Claude Code is Anthropic's terminal-based coding assistant. TensorX provides an Anthropic-compatible endpoint for Claude Code and operates with zero data retention on EU-hosted infrastructure. ## Prerequisites * Node.js 18 or newer * A TensorX API key ([get one here](https://app.tensorx.ai)) * Terminal access (macOS, Linux, or Windows with WSL) ## Installation Install Claude Code globally: ```bash npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code ``` Verify installation: ```bash claude --version ``` *** ## Quick Start - No Account Required For quick queries and scripting, use **print mode** which doesn't require any Anthropic account. Choose a model ID returned by `GET /v1/models`, then export it with the TensorX endpoint and key: ```bash export TENSORX_MODEL="" export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="" export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://api.tensorx.ai" export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="$TENSORX_MODEL" claude -p "Explain what a REST API is" ``` {% hint style="info" %} Print mode (`-p`) outputs the response and exits. For interactive development sessions with file editing and bash commands, see **Interactive Mode Setup** below. {% endhint %} *** ## Interactive Mode Setup Interactive mode provides the full Claude Code experience with file editing, bash commands, and multi-turn conversations. Requires **one-time** free Anthropic account setup. ### Step 1: Initial Setup (One-Time Only) Run `claude` and complete the OAuth login: ```bash claude ``` Select **"Anthropic Console account"** when prompted and follow the browser login. A free Anthropic account works - you won't be charged by Anthropic as all requests route through TensorX. ### Step 2: Configure TensorX Create or edit `~/.claude/settings.json`: ```json { "env": { "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.tensorx.ai", "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "", "ANTHROPIC_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_SMALL_FAST_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL": "", "API_TIMEOUT_MS": "3000000", "CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_NONESSENTIAL_TRAFFIC": "1" } } ``` Replace `` with an ID returned by `GET /v1/models`. ### Step 3: Start Using Claude Code Navigate to your project and run: ```bash cd /path/to/your/project claude ``` {% hint style="warning" %} You may see an authentication-conflict warning. With the environment above, model requests route through TensorX. {% endhint %} ### Why All Model Variables Are Required Claude Code uses different models for different internal tasks: | Variable | Purpose | | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | `ANTHROPIC_MODEL` | Main model for conversations | | `ANTHROPIC_SMALL_FAST_MODEL` | Quick background tasks | | `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL` | Token counting and small operations | | `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL` | Standard coding tasks | | `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL` | Complex reasoning tasks | {% hint style="danger" %} If these variables are not all set, Claude Code may request Anthropic model IDs that are not returned by TensorX, causing model-not-found errors. {% endhint %} *** ## Model selection Call `GET /v1/models` with your TensorX API key and use one of the returned IDs. If the integration depends on a capability or token limit, query `GET /v1/model/info` before selecting the model. See [Models](/api-reference/models.md) for examples. *** ## Switching Models To switch models, update **all** model variables in `~/.claude/settings.json`: ```json { "env": { "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.tensorx.ai", "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "", "ANTHROPIC_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_SMALL_FAST_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL": "", "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL": "", "API_TIMEOUT_MS": "3000000", "CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_NONESSENTIAL_TRAFFIC": "1" } } ``` Replace `` with your chosen TensorX model ID. After editing, **start a new Claude Code session** for changes to take effect. *** ## Troubleshooting ### Anthropic model not found **Solution:** You haven't set all model aliases. Ensure your `settings.json` includes: * `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL` * `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL` * `ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL` * `ANTHROPIC_SMALL_FAST_MODEL` All should be set to your chosen TensorX model. ### Auth conflict warning **Message:** `Auth conflict: Both a token (ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN) and an API key...` **Solution:** This warning is normal and can be ignored. Claude Code is using your `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN` from `settings.json` which points to TensorX. Your requests are routing correctly. ### OAuth login still required after configuration **Solution:** Interactive mode requires a one-time Anthropic OAuth. This is a Claude Code requirement. After completing it once, your `settings.json` config will route all actual API requests through TensorX. For scripting without OAuth, use print mode: `claude -p "your prompt"` ### Configuration not taking effect **Solution:** 1. Close all Claude Code sessions 2. Verify `~/.claude/settings.json` has correct JSON syntax 3. Open a new terminal window 4. Run `claude` again ### Timeout errors **Solution:** Increase `API_TIMEOUT_MS` in your `settings.json`: ```json { "env": { "API_TIMEOUT_MS": "6000000" } } ``` *** ## FAQ **Q: Do I need an Anthropic account?** For interactive mode, yes - a free account for one-time OAuth. For print mode (`-p` flag), no account is needed. **Q: Will I be charged by Anthropic?** No. All API requests route through TensorX. The Anthropic OAuth is only for authentication, not billing. **Q: Why do I need to set all the model variables?** Claude Code uses different models for different internal tasks (token counting, background operations, etc.). Setting all aliases ensures everything routes to your chosen TensorX model. **Q: Can I use different models for different tasks?** Yes. Each variable can reference a different TensorX model ID. **Q: What's the difference between ANTHROPIC\_API\_KEY and ANTHROPIC\_AUTH\_TOKEN?** Both work, but `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN` is preferred for custom endpoints. Use `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN` in `settings.json`. **Q: Does TensorX support the Anthropic Messages API (`/v1/messages`)?** Yes. TensorX exposes an Anthropic-compatible `/v1/messages` endpoint at `https://api.tensorx.ai`, which is what Claude Code targets when you set `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL`. Standard per-key rate limits apply (see [Rate Limits](/api-reference/rate-limits.md)); there is no separate endpoint to enable. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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