How do I use Claude Code with an existing Anthropic API Key? - Stack Overflow
I have never used an API. What’s the easiest way to use Claude’s?
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Claude Code with API key? : ClaudeAI
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I just paid for the Pro version of Claude. Downloaded Cursor and when I went to add the 'API key', it seems like I also need to pay for Anthropic?
I am a little confused. First time doing the Cursor IDE setup. I am a Rider dev.
I want to be able to use Cursor without any limitations. Not bragging but money is not a concern. I make enough as a Software Consultant to afford those memberships.
Also, I heard about bolt.new or something along those lines? I checked it out but it seems towards opinionated out-of-the-box frontend applications.
Any advice?
Thanks!!!
I use my own API key in private projects, and it seems to work like this:
# .env file ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-...In the project:
# .claude/settings.json { "apiKeyHelper": "source .env && echo $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY" }Then invoke
claudein inside the project root and verify with/statuscommand:Claude Code v1.0.85 L Session ID: 69... ... Account L Auth Token: apiKeyHelper L API Key: apiKeyHelper
Source: https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/441#issuecomment-3207226042
If someone get this error: Error getting API key from apiKeyHelper (in settings or ~/.claude.json): /bin/sh: 1: source: not found
That error comes from the fact that your shell (likely /bin/sh) doesn’t recognize the source command — it’s a Bash built-in, not POSIX-standard.
Here's the fix (Force bash):
{ "apiKeyHelper": "bash -c 'source .env && echo $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY'" }
Never teach people to put a secret key in a non-popular env var convention file. Always put it in the popular environment variable file.
Looks like folks found a workaround that actually works: https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/441#issuecomment-3050967059
Create a
~/.claude/settings.jsonfile with this content:{ "apiKeyHelper": "echo <API KEY>" }
Ive searched this subreddit for answers and I’ve also asked Google, Copilot, and free Claude. I’m sure the answers are out there, so please forgive me that I can’t find them.
Hence I ask for your help. What’s the easiest way for a programming noob to use the Claude API? All I want initially is to ask questions via the API, similar to the subscription version. I want to use the API vs subscription because maybe it’ll be cheaper and I also just want experience with it.
I signed up for an account and have purchased API tokens. I have an API key. But I’m struggling finding concise directions on how to use it.
I’m familiar with the $20/month subscription and want to become familiar with the API as well.