Docs/Claude Code Setup

Claude Code Setup

Route Claude Code through lina-router to get automatic token savings, free model fallback, and multi-account rotation — without changing how you code.

Before you start

  • lina-router installed and running (Quick Start)
  • At least one provider connected in the dashboard
  • Claude Code installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)

Method 1 — Environment Variable (Recommended)

Set two environment variables before launching Claude Code. This works in any shell and is the simplest approach.

macOS / Linux

~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc (or inline)
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:20128/v1
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=<your-lina-router-api-key>
claude

Windows (PowerShell)

PowerShell
$env:ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL = "http://localhost:20128/v1"
$env:ANTHROPIC_API_KEY = "<your-lina-router-api-key>"
claude
Where to find your API key: Dashboard → Providers → (your provider) → API Key tab. Copy the key shown there.

Method 2 — Persistent Shell Config

Add the variables to your shell profile so they're always set when you open a terminal.

Shell profile
# Add to ~/.zshrc, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.profile
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:20128/v1
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=<your-lina-router-api-key>

# Then reload:
source ~/.zshrc

RTK Token Saver with Claude Code

Claude Code is one of the biggest beneficiaries of RTK because it generates large tool_result messages — the output of shell commands like git diff, grep, find, and file reads.

Without vs with RTK

Without RTK

tool_result: 4,200 tokens
(full git diff output
with context lines)

With RTK

tool_result: 2,580 tokens
(compressed, model
still understands it)

~38% saved per request, automatically

RTK is enabled by default. No extra config needed. See the RTK deep-dive →

Choosing a Model

When using lina-router, specify a model in the kr/ namespace for Kiro models, or use any provider's model format:

Model selection
# Kiro AI (free)
ANTHROPIC_MODEL=kr/claude-sonnet-4.5

# Or pass --model flag to claude
claude --model kr/claude-sonnet-4.5

Troubleshooting

Claude Code says 'connection refused'

lina-router is not running. Start it with: lina-router (in a separate terminal). It must stay running while you use Claude Code.

API key is invalid

Copy the key from the lina-router dashboard (Providers → your provider → API Key tab). Don't use your actual Anthropic API key here.

Responses are slower than usual

Free providers (Kiro, OpenCode) may be slower than paid APIs. If speed matters, connect a cheap API provider in Tier 2.

Claude Code is still hitting the real Anthropic API

Make sure ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL is set in the same shell session where you run claude. Check with: echo $ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL

←

Quick Start

Installation guide

RTK Token Saver

How compression works

→