Tool setup
Use the Claude API in VS Code
Free VS Code agents like Cline and Continue accept any Anthropic-compatible endpoint, so you can code with Claude inside VS Code on discounted balance.
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Cline
# Cline → Settings API Provider : Anthropic Base URL : https://api.apitoken.sale API Key : sk-pool-••• Model : claude-opus-4-8
See also: Use a Claude API key in Cursor
Continue
// ~/.continue/config.json
{
"models": [{
"title": "Claude via apiToken.sale",
"provider": "anthropic",
"apiBase": "https://api.apitoken.sale",
"apiKey": "sk-pool-•••",
"model": "claude-opus-4-8"
}]
}Which extension and troubleshooting
Cline is a strong default for autonomous edits; Continue is lighter and good for inline chat and completions. Both are free and use your prepaid balance.
- 401 Unauthorized: the API key or base URL is wrong.
- Model not found: use a current ID such as claude-sonnet-5 or claude-opus-4-8.
- Slow or 429: reduce concurrency and respect Retry-After.
Frequently asked questions
Which VS Code extensions work?
Any extension that supports an Anthropic-compatible endpoint, including Cline and Continue, works with an apiToken.sale key.
Do I need a paid extension?
No. Cline and Continue are free; you only pay for the Claude API usage against your prepaid balance.
Use Google or GitHub to create your key and get $10 of Claude usage before you top up.