One CLI to switch between Claude Code-compatible LLM providers instantly. Clother is designed for developers and researchers who frequently use multiple LLM services, offering a streamlined way to configure, manage, and switch between providers like Anthropic, Z.AI, OpenRouter, and local models via simple commands. It simplifies LLM integration by abstracting endpoint configuration and API key management.

How It Works

Clother operates by generating shell scripts (launchers) that dynamically set environment variables such as ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN before executing the claude command. This approach allows users to switch between different LLM providers and models seamlessly using commands like clother-zai or clother-ollama. API keys and configurations are securely stored in ~/.local/share/clother/secrets.env, protected with chmod 600.

Quick Start & Requirements

1. Install Claude Code CLI: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
2. Install Clother: curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jolehuit/clother/main/clother.sh | bash

• Prerequisites: curl, bash, and the Claude Code CLI. Local LLM execution requires Ollama, LM Studio, or llama.cpp.
• Setup: Ensure the installation directory (defaulting to ~/bin on macOS, ~/.local/bin on Linux) is in your system's PATH.
• Links: Claude Code CLI, Clother Install Script, OpenRouter Models.

Highlighted Details

• Supports a wide array of providers including Anthropic (native), Z.AI, MiniMax, Kimi, Moonshot AI, DeepSeek, Alibaba, and over 100 models via OpenRouter.
• Enables local LLM execution through Ollama, LM Studio, and llama.cpp, eliminating the need for API keys for these setups.
• Integrates with VS Code via the Claude Code extension by configuring the "Claude Process Wrapper" setting to point to a Clother launcher script.
• Provides utility commands for configuration (clother config), listing profiles (clother list), testing connectivity (clother test), and uninstallation (clother uninstall).

Maintenance & Community

Notable contributors include @darkokoa, @RawToast, @sammcj, and @luciano-fiandesio. The README does not currently list links to community channels like Discord or Slack, nor a public roadmap.

Licensing & Compatibility

• License: MIT License.
• Compatibility: The permissive MIT license allows for commercial use and integration with closed-source projects. Supported platforms include macOS, Linux, and Windows (WSL).

Limitations & Caveats

The tool requires the separate installation of the Claude Code CLI. Users must manually ensure that the directory where Clother installs its launcher scripts is added to their system's PATH environment variable for the commands to function correctly. VS Code integration requires Clother version 2.6 or later.