NadirClaw + Claude Code: A Cost Optimization Guide
Claude Code generates thousands of API calls per session — from simple file reads and status updates to complex code generation and architectural reasoning. Without routing, every call hits the same expensive model.
How NadirClaw integrates with Claude Code
With NadirClaw, you point Claude Code's base URL to your NadirClaw proxy. NadirClaw classifies each request: simple operations like listing files, reading configs, and formatting code route to Claude Haiku at a fraction of the cost. Complex operations like writing new features, debugging, and refactoring stay on Claude Opus for maximum quality.
Two-minute setup
Setup takes under two minutes: install NadirClaw, set your API keys, and update your base URL. No changes to your workflow, no changes to your prompts, no quality loss on the tasks that matter.
What gets routed where
In a typical Claude Code session, the majority of calls are simple: reading files, checking project structure, listing directories, and formatting output. These route to cheaper models automatically. Complex tasks like writing new functions, debugging tricky issues, and reasoning about architecture stay on premium models where quality matters most.
The result
Developers using NadirClaw with Claude Code report 40-70% lower API costs with no noticeable difference in code quality. The routing is invisible — your workflow stays exactly the same.