Claude CLI Provider

Use Claude through the official Claude Code CLI. This provider wraps the CLI, enabling you to use your Claude Pro/Max subscription without consuming API credits.

Provider Name	`claude_cli`
Module	`shared.plugins.model_provider.claude_cli`
Requires	Claude Code CLI (`claude`)
Auth	`claude login`

Benefits

No API costs - Uses Pro/Max subscription
Built-in tools - CLI handles Read, Write, Edit, Bash
Automatic caching - CLI manages prompt caching
MCP support - CLI integrates MCP servers

Operation Modes

Mode	Description
`delegated`	CLI handles tool execution (default)
`passthrough`	jaato handles tool execution

Quick start

from jaato import JaatoClient

# Uses claude CLI in background
client = JaatoClient(provider_name="claude_cli")
client.connect(
    project=None,
    location=None,
    model="claude-sonnet-4-20250514"
)
client.configure_tools(registry)

response = client.send_message(
    "List files in the current directory",
    on_output=on_output
)

Prerequisites

# Install Claude Code CLI
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Login (opens browser)
claude login

# Verify it works
claude --version

Configuration

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Description
`JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_PATH`	From PATH	Path to claude CLI executable
`JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MODE`	`delegated`	Operation mode: `delegated` or `passthrough`
`JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MAX_TURNS`	100	Maximum agentic turns

Delegated Mode

In delegated mode, the CLI handles tool execution using its built-in tools (Read, Write, Edit, Bash). This is the default and recommended mode for most use cases.

Passthrough Mode

In passthrough mode, jaato handles tool execution. Use this when you need custom tools or want full control over the tool execution flow.

Environment configuration

# .env file
JAATO_PROVIDER=claude_cli
JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MODE=delegated
JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MAX_TURNS=50

# Optional: explicit path
JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_PATH=/usr/local/bin/claude

Passthrough mode

# Use jaato's tool handling
JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MODE=passthrough

Authentication

Authentication is handled by the Claude CLI itself. You need to log in once using claude login, which stores credentials locally.

Login Flow

Run claude login
Browser opens to Anthropic login page
Authenticate with your Claude Pro/Max account
Credentials saved to ~/.claude/

Subscription Required

The Claude CLI requires an active Claude Pro or Claude Max subscription. API keys do not work with this provider.

Initial setup

# Install CLI
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Login
claude login

# Verify authentication
claude "Hello, can you hear me?"

Check login status

# Check if logged in
claude whoami

# Re-login if needed
claude logout
claude login

How It Works

The claude_cli provider spawns the Claude CLI as a subprocess and communicates with it via JSON messages. The CLI maintains its own conversation state and handles tool execution.

Architecture

JaatoClient
    |
    v
claude_cli provider
    |
    v (subprocess)
claude CLI
    |
    v (HTTP)
Anthropic API

Limitations

Streaming is per-turn, not per-token
Custom tools require passthrough mode
CLI must be installed and logged in

Usage example

from jaato import JaatoClient

client = JaatoClient(provider_name="claude_cli")
client.connect(None, None, "claude-sonnet-4-20250514")

# In delegated mode, CLI handles file operations
response = client.send_message(
    "Read the README.md and summarize it",
    on_output=on_output
)
# CLI uses its built-in Read tool

With custom tools (passthrough)

# Set passthrough mode
export JAATO_CLAUDE_CLI_MODE=passthrough

# Now jaato handles tool execution
client = JaatoClient(provider_name="claude_cli")
client.connect(None, None, "claude-sonnet-4-20250514")
client.configure_tools(registry)  # Your custom tools

response = client.send_message(
    "Use my custom tools to...",
    on_output=on_output
)

vs Anthropic Provider

Feature	claude_cli	anthropic
Cost	Subscription only	API credits
Authentication	`claude login`	API key / OAuth
Built-in tools	Yes (Read, Write, etc.)	No
Custom tools	Passthrough mode	Full support
Streaming	Per-turn	Per-token

When to Use claude_cli

You have a Claude Pro/Max subscription
You want to avoid API costs
Built-in tools are sufficient

When to Use anthropic

You need per-token streaming
You need custom tools
You prefer API-based access

Choose based on use case

# Use subscription quota (no API costs)
client = JaatoClient(provider_name="claude_cli")

# OR

# Use API credits (more control)
client = JaatoClient(provider_name="anthropic")