Master Claude Code with GLM‑4.6: Install, Configure, and Boost Your Coding Productivity

Why Claude Code + GLM‑4.6?

Since ChatGPT went viral, developers have debated whether AI will replace their jobs. Rather than fearing replacement, the article suggests mastering AI tools like Claude Code, which, when paired with the latest GLM‑4.6 model from Zhipu AI, defines a new coding paradigm.

Claude Code offers strong coding ability, longer context windows (128K→200K), improved reasoning, better tool‑calling and search, and enhanced writing style. It matches or exceeds Claude Sonnet 4 on public benchmarks.

Access Challenges and Workarounds in China

Using Claude Code requires a real overseas phone number and a native IP, making it harder to access than ChatGPT. From September 5, Claude will block Chinese users. Chinese developers can:

Use third‑party proxy servers (self‑hosted or shared).

Use domestic providers that support the Anthropic protocol, such as Zhipu AI.

GLM‑4.6 Highlights

Advanced coding ability: Best coding model in China, comparable to Claude Sonnet 4.

Context length: Window expanded to 200 KB for longer code and agent tasks.

Reasoning: Improved and supports tool calls during reasoning.

Search: Stronger tool‑calling and search agents.

Writing: Better style, readability, and role‑play scenarios.

Environment Setup (3 Steps)

1. Install Node.js

Claude Code requires Node.js ≥ 18. Download the latest version from the official site and follow the installer, ensuring the option to add Node to the system PATH is selected.

Verify installation:

node -v

2. Install Claude Code

Run a single npm command: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code Check the version:

claude version

3. Configure GLM‑4.6

Create an account on Zhipu AI’s Open Platform, obtain an API key, and set two environment variables (example for Windows):

ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN=your_api_key

ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://open.bigmodel.cn/api/anthropic

Create a settings.json file in C:\Users\Administrator\.claude with the following content:

{
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL": "glm-4.5-air",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL": "glm-4.6",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL": "glm-4.6"
  }
}

Verify the configuration:

Anthropic base URL: https://open.bigmodel.cn/api/anthropic
Model: Default (glm-4.6)

Using Natural‑Language Prompts

Claude Code can execute tasks from plain English descriptions. Example prompts:

"Create a web‑based Whac‑a‑Mole game with a 4×4 grid, scoring, start/restart button, and a 30‑second timer. Provide separate HTML, CSS, and JS files with clear structure and readable code."

Other examples include generating iOS‑style solar‑eclipse animations and building a full‑featured web scraper in Python with error handling and unit tests.

Claude Commands Reference

Command

Purpose

Description

/bug

Report error

Send conversation to Anthropic team

/clear

Clear history

Remove all records from current session

/config

View/modify config

Manage Claude Code settings

/status

Check account/status

Show current system information

/init

Initialize project

Generate a Chinese CLAUDE.md based on project structure

After initializing, edit the generated CLAUDE.md using markdown headings to define project rules, dependencies, environment setup, and development guidelines.

Conclusion

By following this guide, developers can turn Claude Code + GLM‑4.6 into a powerful productivity booster, whether they are programmers, product managers, or anyone looking to let AI handle repetitive coding tasks.