Anthropic API
The Anthropic API, part of the Claude Platform, lets developers build applications and agents on Claude models with tools for code execution, computer use and structured output.
About this tool
The Anthropic API gives developers access to Claude models through the Messages API, with full control over prompts, tools and output format. Anthropic markets this as the Claude Platform, an integrated stack of models, agent harnesses, context handling and serving infrastructure meant for long-running agents. Current models range from Haiku for high-volume, latency-sensitive tasks to Sonnet, Opus and Fable for demanding reasoning and agentic work.
Built-in tools extend what Claude can do in a request: running Python to analyse data or create charts, conforming responses to a JSON schema, calling external tools and APIs, operating a browser or desktop through computer use, and grounding answers in sources. Developers can also reach Claude through Amazon Bedrock or Google Cloud, in which case the cloud provider bills for usage.
What you can do
Claude model family
Pick Haiku, Sonnet, Opus or Fable depending on the trade-off between speed, cost and reasoning depth.
Agent tools
Tool use, code execution and computer use let Claude act on data, APIs and applications within a request.
Structured outputs
Responses can be constrained to a JSON schema so applications can parse them reliably.
Cost controls
Batch processing halves costs for asynchronous work, and prompt caching reduces the price of repeated context.
Who is it for?
- A startup builds a coding agent that plans and executes large code migrations.
- An operations team automates a legacy desktop application that has no API through computer use.
- A data team processes thousands of documents overnight with the batch API.
Before you choose
Larger models cost considerably more per token; benchmark smaller models first for high-volume tasks.
Data-residency options such as US-only inference carry a price multiplier, so factor them into budgets if required.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Anthropic API the same as the Claude app?
No. The Claude app is for direct use, while the API lets developers call Claude models from their own applications and pay per token.
Can I use Claude through AWS or Google Cloud?
Yes. Both Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud offer Claude, and the cloud provider sets the price and handles invoicing.
How can I reduce Anthropic API costs?
Anthropic offers 50% savings for batch processing and discounted rates for cached prompt content, in addition to choosing smaller models.
Check the official website for current features, pricing, and terms.
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