write a plan in claude.ai with opus on the pro plan doing research, hookup your github repo. then bring that into claude code as a plan document and have sonnet implement the plan. Answer from ctrlshiftba on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › claude code – what's the best way to use it without max plan?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: Claude Code – What's the best way to use It without Max plan?
June 24, 2025 -

Hey folks,
I’m not a developer - more of a researcher who codes occasionally, mostly as a hobby or to explore ideas. I’ve used Claude Code and really like what it can do, especially with complex coding prompts. But I just can’t justify $200/month for Claude Max (Opus) for something I might use 3–4 hours per week at most.

Right now I’m on Claude Pro (Sonnet), but for heavier coding tasks it starts to fall short.
Recently I discovered Zen MCP, which looks promising - especially the ability to plug in custom models like Gemini or O3 via API. I’m wondering:

  • Is it smarter to just use Claude Code using API and pay per usage?

  • Can I plug Claude Opus into Zen (or similar setups) and only fire it up when needed?

  • Are there other MCP stacks that are worth exploring and I'm missing it?

I’m basically searching for a low-cost workflow to still access Claude Code at full power, but without being locked into a full Max subscription as I won’t fully use it.

If anyone has faced the same challenge — wanting Claude Code’s strengths without the full price - I’d love to hear how you solved it. Tips, setups, hacks, all welcome.

🌐
Apidog
apidog.com › blog › use-claude-code-free
A Proven Way to Use Claude Code for Free
August 27, 2025 - Install Node.js (Version 18+)Step 2. Install Claude Code GloballyStep 3. Get Your Free Auth TokenStep 4. Run Command in Your Project FolderStep 5. Configure Environment Variables (Recommended)Step 6. Restart Claude CodeTroubleshooting: Common Issues & SolutionsSupercharge AI-coding Workflow: Integrate Apidog MCP ServerWhat is Apidog MCP Server?Step-by-Step: Setting Up Apidog MCP ServerPrerequisitesStep 1: Prepare Your OpenAPI FileStep 2: Add MCP Configuration to CursorStep 3: Test the ConnectionReal-World Use Cases: Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Free Claude Code + Apidog Power ... Complete guide on how to test Blockchain Apps covering smart contracts, security, performance, and API testing with Hardhat, Foundry, and Apidog automation. ... Looking for the best tool for contract testing and mocking endpoints?
Discussions

BEWARE CLAUDE CODE IS NOT FREE
Is the first $5 credit free? I'm not sure how they are going to charge for it, I haven't given any card details or anything, can anyone please explain More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
40
27
February 25, 2025
How to Install and Use Claude Code, Maybe the Best AI Coding Tool Right Now?
Honestly, they'd get better engagement if they released an app which integrated the subscription fee, their electron app and MCP. I've used this and it's genuinely excellent. I've been in the industry for 25 years and it really, really is pinnacle development. But the API costs are not good enough. I get better results/more value from the £20 subscription than I do from the API. I use both, but unless the AMZ relationship significantly reduces costs, this is just another Roo/Cursor/Aider etc. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
7
8
February 26, 2025
Can I use claude for free
I too use these. However, i've noticed that there are few days where the usage is high and for other days i don't use that much so for me the 20 usd felt high. What i now do is that i've setup openweb-ui on my system and added credits for api on claude and openai. This way i use it whenever i want and pay accordingly. Just for reference, my Claude api credits ran for 3 months even though i recharged for 5 usd only. So, in my case i find it useful. You should check it out and see if it fits your usecase. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/indianstartups
45
27
December 31, 2024
How can I use Claude (free plan) for personal coding projects ?
Kindly instruct Claude to compose code in a highly condensed manner, employing minimalistic return statements, optimised whitespace usage, and other space-saving techniques. This approach ensures a more gradual progression towards the chat limit. Thereafter, you may utilise alternative AI models to refine the code, enhancing its aesthetic appeal or rendering it more comprehensible. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
2
3
January 31, 2025
People also ask

How does Workik help in code generation with Claude AI?
Workik provides robust support for development, including: - Code Generation: Generates complete code snippets and templates for faster development. - Error Debugging: Detects code issues and provides AI-powered debugging suggestions. - Testing: Creates automated test cases for robust code validation across frameworks. - Optimization: Refactors code for performance improvements and readability. - Automation: Automates repetitive scripting tasks to enhance productivity. - Refactoring: Suggests improvements and maintains code quality and efficiency. - Integration: Works seamlessly with projects,
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workik.com
workik.com › claude-code-generator
FREE Claude Code Generator – Use Context-Aware AI
What is Claude?
Claude is an advanced AI assistant developed by Anthropic, designed to interpret and generate human-like responses. Developers use Claude for diverse tasks like code generation, debugging, refining algorithms, and workflow automation. It is particularly effective in domains such as web development, API integration, data science, and AI-based solutions.
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workik.com
workik.com › claude-code-generator
FREE Claude Code Generator – Use Context-Aware AI
What are the popular use cases of Claude for code generation?
Key use cases include: - Web Development: Generate reusable components, backend logic, and database integrations for frameworks like Django and Flask. - API Development: Build and optimize REST/GraphQL APIs with endpoints and data management. - Data Pipelines: Create ETL scripts for databases like MongoDB and PostgreSQL. - Game Development: Script AI behaviors and mechanics for game engines like Unity. - Embedded Systems: Write and optimize code for IoT devices and microcontrollers. - Automation: Automate scripts for web scraping, file handling, and data monitoring.
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workik.com
workik.com › claude-code-generator
FREE Claude Code Generator – Use Context-Aware AI
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Justin Searls
justin.searls.co › posts › how-to-run-claude-code-against-a-free-local-model
How to run Claude Code against a free local model
Fortunately, it took five minutes to find an LLM-agnostic fork of Claude Code called Anon Kode and another five minutes to contribute a patch to make it work with a locally-hosted LLM server. Thirty minutes later and I have a totally-free, locally-hosted version of the Claude Code experience demonstrated in the video above working on my machine (an MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and 48GB of RAM).
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Builder.io
builder.io › blog › claude-code
How I use Claude Code (+ my best tips)
September 29, 2025 - Here's how I use Claude Code and my best tips for getting the most out of it · First things first: install the Claude Code extension. It works with VS Code, Cursor, and probably Windsurf too. Don't expect fireworks, it's basically just a launcher.
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Claude
claude.ai
Claude
Talk with Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic
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Sshh
blog.sshh.io › p › how-i-use-every-claude-code-feature
How I Use Every Claude Code Feature - by Shrivu Shankar
November 2, 2025 - If you’re not already using a CLI-based agent like Claude Code or Codex CLI, you probably should be. There are rarely good guides for these advanced features, so the only way to learn is to dive in. Thanks for reading Shrivu’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support ...
Find elsewhere
🌐
Cursor IDE
cursor-ide.com › blog › claude-ai-free-unlimited
How to Use Claude AI Free Unlimited: 7 Working Methods (2025) - Cursor IDE 博客
September 27, 2025 - The integration goes deeper than simple chat; Claude can see your entire codebase context, understand project structure, and even make multi-file edits automatically. Here's how to maximize your free access: ... # Cursor AI configuration for unlimited Claude usage # Add to .cursor/settings.json in your project root { "ai_model": "claude-3-5-sonnet", "context_window": "full_project", "auto_complete": true, "cmd_k_mode": "claude_powered", "rate_limits": "none", "features": { "chat": "unlimited", "edits": "unlimited", "explanations": "unlimited", "debugging": "unlimited" } }
🌐
Workik
workik.com › claude-code-generator
FREE Claude Code Generator – Use Context-Aware AI
Create your free Workik account in seconds to access Workik AI-powered Claude code generator. Import your project files and sync repositories from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Define modules, types, and structures for precise Claude AI-driven ...
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Apidog
apidog.com › blog › unlock-claude-4-free
3 Methods to Unlock Claude 4 for Free
October 4, 2025 - Register for the Anthropic API or use Claude 4 via Amazon Bedrock or Google Cloud Vertex AI (note: API access may have usage limits or require approval). ... Easiest way to try Claude 4 for free for chat and basic tasks.
🌐
Medium
garysvenson09.medium.com › unlocking-free-access-to-claude-code-the-ultimate-guide-f8ddba64df0f
Unlocking Free Access to Claude Code: The Ultimate Guide
August 27, 2025 - Install Node.js (Version 18+)Step 2. Install Claude Code GloballyStep 3. Get Your Free Auth TokenStep 4. Run Command in Your Project FolderStep 5. Configure Environment Variables (Recommended)Step 6. Restart Claude CodeTroubleshooting: Common Issues & SolutionsSupercharge AI-coding Workflow: Integrate Apidog MCP ServerWhat is Apidog MCP Server?Step-by-Step: Setting Up Apidog MCP ServerPrerequisitesStep 1: Prepare Your OpenAPI FileStep 2: Add MCP Configuration to CursorStep 3: Test the ConnectionReal-World Use Cases: Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Free Claude Code + Apidog Power ... Complete guide on how to test Blockchain Apps covering smart contracts, security, performance, and API testing with Hardhat, Foundry, and Apidog automation. ... Looking for the best tool for contract testing and mocking endpoints?
🌐
Anthropic
docs.anthropic.com › en › docs › claude-code › overview
Claude Code overview - Claude Code Docs
You’ll be prompted to log in on first use. That’s it! Continue with Quickstart (5 minutes) → · Claude Code automatically keeps itself up to date. See advanced setup for installation options, manual updates, or uninstallation instructions.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › how to install and use claude code, maybe the best ai coding tool right now?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: How to Install and Use Claude Code, Maybe the Best AI Coding Tool Right Now?
February 26, 2025 -

Hey everyone,

Since Claude Code has been around for a while now and many of us are already familiar with Claude Sonnet 3.7, I wanted to share a quick step-by-step guide for those who haven’t had time to explore it yet.

This guide sums up everything you need to know about Claude Code, including:

  • How to install and set it up

  • The benefits and when to use it

  • A demo of its capabilities in action

  • Some Claude Code essential commands

I think Claude Code is a better alternative to coding assistants like Cursor and Bolt, especially for developers who want an AI that really understands the entire codebase instead of just suggesting lines.

https://medium.com/p/how-to-install-and-use-claude-code-the-new-agentic-coding-tool-d03fd7f677bc?source=social.tw

🌐
Apidog
apidog.com › blog › use-claude-3-7-sonnet-free
Three Ways to Use Claude 3.7 Sonnet for Free
October 23, 2025 - To access Claude 3.7 Sonnet through GitHub Copilot's free trial: Step 1: Sign Up for Copilot Pro Trial: Visit GitHub's Copilot Pro page and sign up for the 30-day free trial. This requires providing billing information, but you won't be charged ...
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Medium
medium.com › @keury900 › using-claude-code-for-free-3bc5091ac0de
Using Claude Code for Free. I was in those days, where I reach the… | by Keuri Castillo | Oct, 2025 | Medium
October 31, 2025 - I was in those days, where I reach the limit in my pro claude subscription and then I began digging into the great black whole of the internet in search of information of how I could use Claude Code for free… and y endup with my Visual Studio Benefits.. I read couples articles about how to use it, but thing is none of them give me a solution, I don’t really remember how I found this, but, I discover that you can use your benefits from Visual Studio to use Databricks an Azure Service for Data Pipelines and more data stuff that I don’t know, but, the thing that I knew and know now, is that you can use the serving endpoints from the databricks workspace to use the available models, isn’t that great !?
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Puter
developer.puter.com › tutorials › free-unlimited-claude-35-sonnet-api
Free, Unlimited Claude API
1 month ago - This tutorial will show you how to use Puter.js to access Claude's advanced AI capabilities (such as Claude Sonnet 4.5, Claude Opus 4.5, Claude Haiku 4.5) for free, without any API keys, backend, or servers. Using Puter.js, you can generate text with Claude for a wide range of tasks, from creative writing to code generation and function calling without worrying about usage limits or costs.
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Panaversity
ai-native.panaversity.org › part 2: ai tool landscape › chapter 5: claude code: your first general agent › free claude code setup with google gemini
Free Claude Code Setup with Google Gemini | AI Native Software Development
The free tiers are generous enough for real development work. Setup Complexity: Copy 3 text blocks, type 3 commands. That's it. ... Before you start: The final step (setting your API key) differs by platform.
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Claude
support.claude.com › en › articles › 8602283-about-free-claude-usage
About Free Claude Usage | Claude Help Center
Also, the number of messages you ... access to all users. Claude will notify you when you’ve reached your usage limit, or if your prompt exceeds the available context window. We also have several paid subscriptions that offer additional usage. View our guide on Choosing a Claude Plan for more ...
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Creator Economy
creatoreconomy.so › p › claude-code-beginners-tutorial-build-a-movie-app-in-15-minutes
Claude Code Beginner's Tutorial: Build a Movie App in 15 Minutes
September 3, 2025 - 🍿 · We’re finally ready to add our watchlist feature! Let’s get Claude to write the spec first. Tip: In Claude Code, hit shift-tab to enter plan mode. This tells Claude to research and plan without changing your codebase.