Compare
Claude API vs Claude Code
Side-by-side comparison of Claude API and Claude Code for SKILL.md agent skills — install model, shell access, native support, skill count and best use cases.
Comparison
At a glance
| Dimension | Claude API | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Anthropic | Anthropic |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Yes |
| Verified skills indexed | 13 | 124 |
| Install model | POST /v1/skills | Local folder |
| Shell / Bash access | Sandboxed | Yes |
| Tagline | Claude API + Skills SDK. Pre-built skill_id values plus custom uploads via /v1/skills. | Anthropic's terminal CLI for coding agents. Filesystem skills, plugin marketplace, subagents. |
Both
13
Skills verified to work on both Claude API and Claude Code.
Only Claude API
0
Indexed for Claude API but not yet verified on Claude Code.
Only Claude Code
111
Indexed for Claude Code but not yet verified on Claude API.
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Both support SKILL.md natively, so the choice is about ecosystem fit. Pick Claude API for Anthropic integrations and the workflows it makes easiest; pick Claude Code for Anthropic integrations and its specific surface.
Many teams use both — Skills with the SKILL.md spec are portable, and 13 of the skills indexed here are verified on both agents. Browse the per-agent rankings to see which Skills lead on each platform: Skills for Claude API · Skills for Claude Code.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Claude API or Claude Code?
Both support SKILL.md natively. Claude API has 13 verified skills indexed here; Claude Code has 124. 13 skills work on both.
Can I use the same Skill on Claude API and Claude Code?
13 of the skills indexed here work on both. The SKILL.md spec is shared, so most skills run cleanly on both — the exceptions are skills that depend on agent-specific tools (Bash, Workflows, MCP patterns).
How do I install a Skill on Claude API?
POST your Skill zip to /v1/skills. You receive a skill_id. Reference it in your messages request — the model loads the Skill on demand.
How do I install a Skill on Claude Code?
Drop the Skill folder into `~/.claude/skills/` (user-wide) or `.claude/skills/` (project-scoped), or run the plugin install command. The agent picks up new Skills on next session start.
Which agent should I pick for most skill workflows?
Both support skills natively. Pick by ecosystem fit: Claude API for Anthropic customers, Claude Code for Anthropic customers.
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