Claude Agent SDK vs Claude Code
Claude Agent SDK Anthropic
The agent loop behind Claude Code as a TypeScript and Python library, with tools, skills, MCP and subagents.
VisitClaude Code Anthropic
Anthropic’s coding agent: it reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands and opens PRs, in the terminal, IDE, desktop and web.
VisitSide by side
| Property | Claude Agent SDK | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Product | Product |
| Category | AI agents and automation | AI coding tools |
| Made by | Anthropic | Anthropic |
| Pricing | Pay per use | Paid |
| Open source | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | API | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web |
| Startup | Yes | Yes |
Features
Only Claude Agent SDK
- agent framework
- multi-agent
Both
- mcp
- skills
Only Claude Code
- coding agent
- terminal
- autonomous
- code review