FREE and UNLIMITED AI coding FOREVER | Claude Code x OpenRouter

Описание: In this video, I will show you how to make your AI workflow effectively free and unlimited, so usage caps do not constantly interrupt your work. You will get a step-by-step setup to keep using your favourite LLM CLI interface, like Claude Code (also works with Codex and Junie CLI), while routing requests through free cloud models via OpenRouter.

I explain what OpenRouter is, how to create an API key, how to pick the `openrouter/free` route for better uptime, and how to configure Claude Code in a practical way. I also cover the real trade-offs as free model quality can vary, and rate limits can still happen during peak demand.

Finally, I show how to set API spending limits so you stay in control and avoid surprise charges.

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Commands I use:

Install Claude Code (if you do not have it already):
macOS, Linux, WSL: `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash`
Windows PowerShell: `irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex`

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Links used in the video:

Create OpenRouter API key:
https://openrouter.ai/workspaces/defa...

Pick a free model:
https://openrouter.ai/models?q=free

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Setup in terminal (environment variables):

In terminal, bash:

export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="[your-API-token]"

export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://openrouter.ai/api"
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN="$OPENROUTER_API_KEY"
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="" # Important: Must be explicitly empty

export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="openrouter/free"

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Free and Unlimited Claude Code usage
00:11 - Why Ollama is not enough
00:42 - Why OpenRouter
01:20 - Step 1: create/sign in to OpenRouter account
01:38 - Open OpenRouter docs + install Claude Code if needed
02:08 - Step 2: configure environment variables
02:19 - Generate API key and set credit limit
03:08 - Step 3: find free models on OpenRouter
03:56 - UNLIMITED AI with free API router
04:13 - Launch Claude and verify model routing works
04:29 - Note on "need $10 deposit" claims
04:51 - Trade-offs: model quality variability and random routing
05:08 - Optional global setup in shell profile (`.zshrc`, `.bashrc`)
05:28 - Outro

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Ways to connect:

Subscribe! https://bit.ly/RBrilenkovYT
LinkedIn   / ruslan-brilenkov  
Medium   / ruslan-brilenkov  

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Disclaimer:
Everything presented in this video is my own opinion and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing mentioned here is legal or financial advice. Please make your own decisions responsibly.