Zukko Blog
Guides to Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and the Claude and GPT APIs: setup, token savings and troubleshooting.
OpenAI compatible API: what it is, why base_url matters, how to test it
6 min · · development
What an "OpenAI-compatible API" really means, why a client only needs a new base_url and key, how the Anthropic format differs, and how to test the connection in five minutes.
An AI chatbot for your website: architecture, streaming code and cost
6 min · · development
Building a website chatbot: the key stays on the server, a FastAPI backend with streaming, a cheap model, a cost estimate and limits against abuse.
Free AI model API: what you can actually get without paying
5 min · · экономия
An honest look at free API access to AI models: a $0.50 bonus for subscribing to a channel, the cheapest models, how many requests that covers, and how to avoid overspending.
AI model API: what it is and how to send your first request
6 min · · API keys
How an AI model API differs from a browser chat, what a key and a base URL are, what you pay for, and how to send your first request in ten minutes.
Claude API key in Russia: Anthropic SDK and Claude Code on a Zukko key
5 min · · API keys
The Anthropic Console doesn't serve Russia, but a Zukko key works with the Anthropic SDK and Claude Code. Steps: the key, code, prompt caching, Opus 5.5 and Sonnet 5 prices.
OpenAI API key in Russia: why it's hard and how to replace it, step by step
5 min · · API keys
Why an OpenAI key is hard to get from Russia and how to replace it with a Zukko key for the official OpenAI SDK. Step by step: key, variables, code, errors.
How to cap API key spend so an agent doesn't drain your balance
6 min · · API keys
An agent stuck in a loop can burn through a balance overnight. A separate key, limits, a model list and proper error handling put a ceiling on spend.
Claude Fable 5.1 via API: setup, pricing and spend control
7 min · · models
Fable 5.1 is one of the most expensive models in the catalog. How to connect it, what a request costs, and how to cap spend with key settings.
Team access: multiple keys with different limits
4 min · · API keys
There is no dedicated "team" concept in the dashboard, but per-key limits and an allowed-model list cover almost the whole need. Here is how to set it up and what not to expect.
allowed_models: restricting a key to only the models it needs
3 min · · API keys
A key that can call any model in the catalogue is more freedom than an integration needing exactly one model should have. Here is the allowed_models setting.
Setting daily and monthly spend limits on an API key
4 min · · API keys
One compromised or misconfigured key shouldn't be able to burn through your whole balance in an hour. Here is how to cap that from the dashboard.
Multiple projects, one account: staying organized
4 min · · API keys
One account balance, five projects drawing from it. How to organize that so month-end shows who spent what, instead of one lump sum to puzzle over.
Why you should set up a separate API key per project
5 min · · API keys
One key across every project saves five minutes now and creates a mess at the first incident. Here's what separating keys by project actually gets you.
401 Invalid API key — why your key is rejected
2 min · · errors
You pasted the key and the server still answers 401. Here are the five causes, ordered by how often they actually happen.
Your API key leaked — a step-by-step response
2 min · · security
A leaked key means a growing bill. The first steps take a minute, and their order matters more than speed.