Compare
Claude Code vs Claude API
Side-by-side comparison of Claude Code and Claude API for SKILL.md agent skills — install model, shell access, native support, skill count and best use cases.
Comparison
At a glance
| Dimension | Claude Code | Claude API |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Anthropic | Anthropic |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Yes |
| Verified skills indexed | 124 | 13 |
| Install model | Local folder | POST /v1/skills |
| Shell / Bash access | Yes | Sandboxed |
| Tagline | Anthropic's terminal CLI for coding agents. Filesystem skills, plugin marketplace, subagents. | Claude API + Skills SDK. Pre-built skill_id values plus custom uploads via /v1/skills. |
Both
13
Skills verified to work on both Claude Code and Claude API.
Only Claude Code
111
Indexed for Claude Code but not yet verified on Claude API.
Only Claude API
0
Indexed for Claude API but not yet verified on Claude Code.
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Both support SKILL.md natively, so the choice is about ecosystem fit. Pick Claude Code for Anthropic integrations and the workflows it makes easiest; pick Claude API 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 Code · Skills for Claude API.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Claude Code or Claude API?
Both support SKILL.md natively. Claude Code has 124 verified skills indexed here; Claude API has 13. 13 skills work on both.
Can I use the same Skill on Claude Code and Claude API?
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 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.
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.
Which agent should I pick for most skill workflows?
Both support skills natively. Pick by ecosystem fit: Claude Code for Anthropic customers, Claude API for Anthropic customers.
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