How to Use DeepSeek in Claude Code, OpenCode and Other Apps

The short version

DeepSeek’s API copies the formats of OpenAI’s and Anthropic’s, so apps built for those can usually switch to DeepSeek by changing three settings: the base URL, the API key and the model name.

Step by step

1. Get a key

Sign in at platform.deepseek.com, top up, and create a key on the API Keys page. See use the DeepSeek API.

2. Find the app’s provider settings

Look for “Provider”, “Model”, “API” or “Custom endpoint” in the app’s settings.

3. Enter DeepSeek’s details

4. Test with something small

Ask a simple question and check your usage on the platform’s Usage page.

Two documented examples

Claude Code: DeepSeek’s guide sets environment variables before you run claude, starting with:

export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN=<your DeepSeek API key>
export ANTHROPIC_MODEL=deepseek-flash[1m]

Copy the full list from DeepSeek’s page; it sets several more.

OpenCode: run opencode, type /connect, enter deepseek, select the provider, paste your key, and choose the model. DeepSeek recommends OpenCode v1.18.30 or newer.

Running it locally instead

Apps that support Ollama can use a DeepSeek model on your own computer, with no API key and no data sent to DeepSeek. Ollama’s library page even lists launch commands, such as ollama launch opencode --model deepseek-r1. Expect lower quality than the API’s models. See run DeepSeek with Ollama.

Prompts to copy

Once DeepSeek is connected to a coding agent, a safe first task:

Read this project and explain its structure in 10 bullet points.
Don't change any files. List the three things you'd improve first, and why.

Example

Setup: OpenCode connected to DeepSeek through /connect, working in a copy of a small website project.

First run: the explain-only prompt above, then one small change (“Add alt text to every image in the gallery page”). You review the diff before accepting it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Pasting the key into shared config files or committing it to Git. Use environment variables, and revoke the key if it leaks.
• Using old model names. Older guides may say deepseek-chat or deepseek-reasoner, which DeepSeek said would stop working after July 24, 2026.
• Forgetting where the data goes. Through the API, your code and prompts go to DeepSeek’s servers. Check your employer’s rules. See use DeepSeek safely at work.
• Letting an agent run unchecked. Approve commands and review changes.

Good to know

For agents, a short instructions file about your project helps any model; our AGENTS.md generator makes one.

Related: code with DeepSeek and use the DeepSeek API.