---
title: Claude API in VS Code (Cline, Continue)
description: "Run Claude in VS Code with Cline or Continue using an apiToken.sale key. Set the Anthropic base URL to api.apitoken.sale and pay per token at a discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-for-vs-code
language: en
---

# 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.

## Cline

```
# Cline → Settings
API Provider : Anthropic
Base URL     : https://api.apitoken.sale
API Key      : sk-pool-•••
Model        : claude-opus-4-8
```

## 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.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn