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Getting Started with Claude Code + Integration with GLM

· 6 min read
Ilham Surya
Ilham Surya
SRE Engineer - Fullstack Enthusiast - Go, Python, React, Typescript

Claude Code with GLM Integration

I've been exploring various AI coding assistants lately, and I recently discovered Claude Code with GLM integration from Z.AI. After setting it up and using it for a few weeks, I'm excited to share my experience and walk you through the complete setup process. In this post, I'll show you how to leverage the latest GLM-4.6 models for your coding projects.

What is Claude Code?​

Claude Code is an AI-powered coding assistant that I've found incredibly helpful for writing, debugging, and optimizing code. What makes it even better is the integration with GLM models from Z.AI, which gives you access to advanced language models specifically optimized for coding tasks.

What I Love About It​

  • Enhanced Code Generation: I get much better code suggestions and completions compared to other tools
  • Improved Debugging: The AI-powered error detection has saved me hours of troubleshooting
  • Code Optimization: It automatically suggests performance improvements I might have missed
  • Documentation Generation: It generates comprehensive documentation that actually makes sense
  • Multi-language Support: Works seamlessly with my Go, Python, and TypeScript projects

Prerequisites​

Before we dive in, make sure you have:

  • Node.js 18 or newer installed on your system
  • A Z.AI account with API access (I'll show you how to get this)
  • Basic familiarity with command-line tools

Step 1: Installing Claude Code​

I found the easiest way to install Claude Code is through npm:

# Install Claude Code globally
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Navigate to your project directory
cd your-awesome-project

# Start Claude Code
claude

Note: I ran into permission issues during installation on my Mac, but using sudo solved it. On Windows, you might need to run the command prompt as an administrator.

Alternative: Cursor Guided Installation​

If you're using Cursor IDE (which I also use), you can install Claude Code through the guided installation process within the editor.

Step 2: Configuring GLM Integration​

1. Get Your API Key​

Here's how I got my API key:

  1. Visit the Z.AI Open Platform
  2. Register or log in to your account
  3. Navigate to the API Keys management page
  4. Create a new API key
  5. Copy your API key for the next step

2. Configure Environment Variables​

For first-time setup, I recommend using the automated script:

curl -O "https://cdn.bigmodel.cn/install/claude_code_zai_env.sh" && bash ./claude_code_zai_env.sh

This script automatically configures your ~/.claude/settings.json file with the necessary environment variables.

Manual Configuration​

If you prefer manual setup (like I did for testing), create or edit ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "your_zai_api_key",
    "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic",
    "API_TIMEOUT_MS": "3000000"
  }
}

3. Model Configuration​

I found the default model mapping works great for most use cases:

  • ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL: GLM-4.6
  • ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL: GLM-4.6
  • ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL: GLM-4.5-Air

You can customize these mappings in your settings file if needed:

{
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL": "glm-4.5-air",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL": "glm-4.6",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL": "glm-4.6"
  }
}

Step 3: Starting Claude Code​

Once configuration is complete, you can start using Claude Code:

cd your-project-directory
claude

When prompted with "Do you want to use this API key," select "Yes."

Grant Claude Code permission to access files in your folder, and you're ready to start coding with AI assistance! I've been using this setup for a few weeks now and it's been a game-changer for my development workflow.

Advanced Features​

Vision and Search MCP​

With PRO and higher plans, you get access to some really cool features:

  • Vision Understanding MCP Server: Analyze images and visual content
  • Web Search MCP Server: Real-time web search capabilities

I haven't tried these yet, but they look promising for enhancing your development workflow with visual analysis and up-to-date information.

Model Switching​

I've experimented with switching between different GLM models based on my needs:

  • GLM-4.6: Best for complex coding tasks and detailed analysis (my go-to for most work)
  • GLM-4.5-Air: Faster responses for quick tasks (great for simple refactoring)
  • GLM-4.5: Balanced performance for general use

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues and Solutions​

Manual Configuration Not Working​

I ran into this issue when I was testing different configurations. Here's what worked for me:

  1. Close all Claude Code windows
  2. Open a new command-line window
  3. Run claude again
  4. If issues persist, delete ~/.claude/settings.json and reconfigure

Permission Issues​

For permission-related problems:

# macOS/Linux
sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Windows - Run as Administrator
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Version Compatibility​

Check your Claude Code version:

# Check current version
claude --version

# Upgrade to latest
claude update

I recommend using Claude Code 2.0.14 or newer for optimal compatibility.

Best Practices​

Based on my experience using Claude Code, here are some tips that have worked well for me:

1. Project Organization​

  • Keep your projects well-structured (Claude Code works better with organized codebases)
  • Use meaningful file and folder names
  • Maintain clean code practices

2. Effective Prompting​

  • Be specific about your requirements (I've found this makes a huge difference)
  • Provide context about your project
  • Ask for explanations when needed

3. Security Considerations​

  • Never commit API keys to version control (I use environment variables)
  • Use environment variables for sensitive data
  • Regularly rotate your API keys

Pricing and Plans​

The GLM Coding Plan starts at $3/month and includes:

  • Access to GLM-4.6 models
  • Enhanced coding capabilities
  • Vision and Search MCP (PRO+ plans)
  • Priority support

Conclusion​

After using Claude Code with GLM integration for several weeks, I can confidently say it's been a game-changer for my development workflow. The setup process is straightforward, and the results speak for themselves.

What's Next for Me​

  1. Explore More Features: I want to try the Vision and Search MCP features when I upgrade
  2. Customize Further: I'm planning to experiment with different model configurations for specific project types
  3. Share Experiences: I'd love to hear from other developers using this setup
  4. Stay Updated: I'll keep my installation current for the latest features

The combination of Claude Code and GLM models has significantly improved my coding productivity, and I'm excited to see how it continues to evolve.

Resources:

Tags: #claude-code #glm #ai-tools #development #integration #coding-assistant