01What Is GLM 5.2 with Claude Code?

GLM 5.2 Claude Code is a setup that plugs the GLM 5.2 model into the Claude Code agent harness. This lets you use Claude Code's powerful coding abilities with GLM 5.2 as the underlying brain.

It works because Claude Code is just a harness that can point to different models. By using GLM 5.2, you get a cheaper alternative to a Claude Code subscription while keeping the same agentic power to build apps, websites, and more.

In this episode, Julian Goldie showed how he plugged GLM 5.2 into Claude Code and Obsidian. This setup allows you to build and automate anything with GLM 5.2 inside a familiar harness.

02Key Features of the GLM 5.2 and Claude Code Setup

The setup offers several key features that make it powerful and flexible.

  • Cost savings: GLM 5.2 is much cheaper than a Claude Code subscription, so you get similar power for less money.
  • Benchmark performance: In personal tests, GLM 5.2 could build better outputs than Opus 4.5 on many tasks, like a full open-world game.
  • Easy switching: If you get rate-limited or run out of tokens in Claude Code, you can switch to GLM 5.2 quickly.
  • Memory integration: The setup syncs with Obsidian memory, logging every GLM 5.2 use and personalizing outputs.
  • One-click setup: You can set up GLM 5.2 with Claude Code in one click using tools like OpenClaude or Hermes Agent.
  • Flexible usage: Use GLM 5.2 inside Claude Code, Hermes, Paperclip, or other agents.

These features make the setup versatile and easy to use.

03How to Set Up GLM 5.2 with Claude Code

Setting up GLM 5.2 with Claude Code is simple and takes just a few steps.

  1. Download Olama for free from its official site.
  2. Make sure you're on the cloud subscription in Olama.
  3. Go to models and select GLM 5.2.
  4. Point Claude Code to use GLM 5.2 as its brain.
  5. Optionally, set up a workspace to save all your outputs.
  6. Connect the setup to Obsidian for memory sync, if desired.

You can also use one-click setup with OpenClaude or Hermes Agent. Once configured, you can switch between models with a button in the Agent Operating System.

04Using GLM 5.2 with Claude Code: Examples

To use GLM 5.2 with Claude Code, you start by giving it a task. For example, Julian showed how to build a Pomodoro timer app by just typing a command.

You can also build apps, tools, games, and landing pages. The harness understands what you want and creates it step by step.

You can even use voice chat to direct the model. The output appears live, and everything gets saved in your workspace. If a build fails, you can switch to a different model or fix it manually.

In another example, GLM 5.2 was used in Hermes to create a video creation team and a blogging team. These teams coordinate to produce content for you.

The key is to tell the system what you want, and it handles the rest.

05Results and Comparisons: GLM 5.2 vs Opus 4.5

In this episode, Julian compared GLM 5.2 to Opus 4.5. He found that GLM 5.2 could build better things on many tasks. One example was a full open-world game, which GLM 5.2 handled well.

He also noted that local models are free but not as powerful as Claude Opus. However, GLM 5.2 comes close, almost matching Opus's performance.

GLM 5.2 also has a massive one-million-token context window, which lets you process large amounts of information at once. This makes it suitable for complex projects.

While no exact benchmark numbers were shared, the personal test showed GLM 5.2's ability to produce high-quality outputs.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some practical tips and warnings from the episode.

  • Know the limits: Local models are free but less powerful. GLM 5.2 is strong, but Opus might still be better for some tasks.
  • Handle rate limits: If you hit rate limits or run out of tokens, switch to GLM 5.2 to keep working.
  • Avoid the normal CLI: The standard CLI isn't as good for coding as Claude Code, so stick with the harness.
  • Use memory: Connect to Obsidian to keep outputs personalized and organized automatically.
  • Start simple: Test with small tasks like a Pomodoro timer before tackling big projects.
  • Switch when needed: If Claude Code fails, switch to GLM 5.2 to continue.

Following these tips helps you get the most out of the setup.

07Who Should Use GLM 5.2 with Claude Code?

This setup is for anyone who wants powerful coding assistance without paying for a Claude Code subscription. It's great for developers, creators, and business owners who build apps or content.

If you use AI agents regularly, the flexibility to switch between models is valuable. You can use GLM 5.2 for cost savings and switch to other models when needed.

The integration with Obsidian makes it ideal for those who want to keep a memory of their projects. It helps you stay organized and build consistently.

Whether you're a solo builder or part of a team, this setup offers a cheaper, flexible alternative. You can start with simple projects and scale up as you learn.