Glm Coding Plan Layout

Configure Claude Code to use GLM-4 models via the Z.AI platform for open-source coding performance.

When to Use This Setting

Apply this setting when you need to:

• Use GLM-4 series models as an alternative backend for Claude Code with competitive coding performance
• Leverage open-source model capabilities through a managed API service starting at low monthly cost
• Access native MCP support with image recognition and web search built into the model provider Consider alternatives when:
• You require Anthropic's native Claude models for compliance or contractual reasons
• Your workflow depends on Claude-specific features that may not be replicated by alternative providers

Quick Start

Configuration

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name: glm-coding-plan-layout
type: setting
category: partnerships

Example Application

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claude setting:apply glm-coding-plan-layout

Example Output

Setting applied. Changes:
- ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic
- ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN: YOUR-API-KEY
- ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL: glm-4.5-air
- ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL: glm-4.7
- ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL: glm-4.7
- alwaysThinkingEnabled: true

Core Concepts

GLM Platform Overview

Aspect	Details
Provider	Z.AI managed API service proxying GLM-4 series open-source models
Model Tiers	glm-4.5-air for fast tasks, glm-4.7 for primary reasoning and complex coding
Pricing	Starting at $3/month with subscription plans, discount code available
Features	Native MCP support, image recognition, web search, always-thinking mode

Integration Architecture

+---------------------------+
|  Claude Code CLI          |
+---------------------------+
         |
         | (Anthropic-compatible API)
         v
+---------------------------+
|  Z.AI API Gateway         |
|  api.z.ai/api/anthropic   |
+---------------------------+
         |
    +----+----+
    |         |
    v         v
+--------+ +--------+
| GLM    | | GLM    |
| 4.5-air| | 4.7    |
| (fast) | | (main) |
+--------+ +--------+

Configuration

Parameter	Type	Default	Description
ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL	string	"https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic"	API endpoint for the Z.AI proxy service
ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN	string	"YOUR-API-KEY"	Authentication token from your Z.AI subscription
ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL	string	"glm-4.5-air"	Fast model for auxiliary tasks and quick responses
ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL	string	"glm-4.7"	Primary model for code generation and reasoning
alwaysThinkingEnabled	boolean	true	Enable extended thinking mode for deeper reasoning on all requests

Best Practices

1. Replace the placeholder API key immediately - The setting ships with YOUR-API-KEY as a placeholder. Generate your actual API key from the Z.AI dashboard and update it before using the setting.
2. Test compatibility with your workflow - GLM models are compatible with the Anthropic API format but may have different strengths and limitations. Run your standard development tasks to verify acceptable quality.
3. Enable always-thinking mode for complex tasks - The alwaysThinkingEnabled flag activates extended reasoning. This is especially valuable with GLM-4.7 for multi-step code generation and architectural decisions.
4. Monitor model availability and latency - Third-party API services may have different uptime guarantees than direct Anthropic access. Set up monitoring to detect service degradation early.
5. Keep the discount code for renewals - The subscription discount code may be time-limited. Apply it during initial signup to lock in the promotional pricing for your subscription period.

Common Issues

1. Authentication failures - Verify your API key is correctly set in ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN. The Z.AI service uses its own authentication separate from Anthropic API keys.
2. Model behavior differs from Claude - GLM models are distinct from Claude. Code generation patterns, error handling, and reasoning approaches may differ. Adjust your prompting style accordingly.
3. Latency higher than direct Anthropic - The Z.AI proxy adds a network hop. If latency is unacceptable, check whether a closer regional endpoint is available or consider direct Anthropic access for time-sensitive work.