Claude Code + Ollama = FULLY FREE AI Coding FOREVER! (Tutorial)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to set up Claude Code for free by integrating it with Ollama, enabling you to run open-source models locally. This setup allows developers to utilize powerful AI coding capabilities without incurring costs associated with cloud APIs. We will cover the installation of Ollama, connection to Claude Code, and practical usage examples.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• A compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Sufficient RAM (at least 8GB recommended)
• A GPU is recommended for optimal performance, particularly if you plan to run more demanding models.

Step 2: Install Ollama

To get started with Ollama, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Ollama download page.
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Follow the installation prompts to complete the setup.

Step 3: Install Claude Code

After installing Ollama, the next step is to install Claude Code:

1. Navigate to the Claude Code download page.
2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system.
3. Run the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Configure Ollama with Claude Code

Once both applications are installed, you need to connect them:

1. Open the terminal or command prompt.
2. Use the following command to set up Ollama with Claude Code:

   ollama run <model-name>
   

   Replace <model-name> with the desired open-source model, such as Qwen or GLM.
3. Follow any additional configuration steps as prompted by the terminal.

Step 5: Run Open-Source Models Locally

To utilize the open-source models:

1. Launch Claude Code.
2. In the terminal, execute the command to run the model you set up earlier. For example:

   claude run
   

3. Verify that the model is running correctly by checking the terminal for any output messages.

Step 6: Utilize Agentic Coding Features

With the setup complete, you can now leverage Claude Code's agentic features:

1. Start coding within Claude Code's environment.
2. Use commands to generate code snippets or complete projects.
3. Experiment with different prompts to see how the AI generates code.

Step 7: Build a Full Landing Page

To put your setup to practical use, you can build a landing page:

1. Create a new project folder for your landing page.
2. Use the following command to generate a basic structure:

   claude generate landing-page
   

3. Customize the generated code as needed using Claude Code's features.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up Claude Code and Ollama, allowing you to run open-source AI models locally. This setup provides a cost-effective coding environment for developers interested in AI. Consider exploring further by building more complex projects or experimenting with different models. Happy coding!