Briefing

deepclaude: Switch Claude Code Backend to DeepSeek

ai-dev
by alattaran · Claude Anthropic DeepSeek

Switch Claude Code backend to DeepSeek for cheaper token usage.

What to do now

Configure DEEPSEEK_API_KEY and use deepclaude --backend ds to switch to DeepSeek.

Summary

deepclaude extends Claude Code by adding a local proxy that allows switching the backend model to DeepSeek V4 Pro, OpenRouter, Fireworks AI, or Anthropic without restarting the session. The CLI supports --backend flags (ds, or, fw, anthropic) and a --switch command for mid‑session changes. DeepSeek offers $0.44 input and $0.87 output pricing with 120× cheaper context caching, while OpenRouter provides similar rates and lower latency. Fireworks AI is faster but more expensive. The proxy tracks token usage and cost savings, enabling users to compare real‑time expenses. deepclaude supports file editing, bash execution, multi‑step autonomous loops, and sub‑agent spawning, but lacks image support on DeepSeek and has limited parallel tool usage.

Key changes

  • deepclaude adds --backend flag to select DeepSeek, OpenRouter, Fireworks, Anthropic
  • DeepSeek pricing $0.44 input/$0.87 output with 120× cheaper context caching
  • OpenRouter offers similar rates and lower latency
  • Fireworks AI is fastest but more expensive
  • Proxy tracks token usage and cost savings
  • Allows mid‑session backend switch via --switch
  • Supports file editing, bash execution, autonomous loops
  • DeepSeek lacks image support and limits parallel tool usage

Affects

internal

Customer impact

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