What does an Anthropic Messages request need?
Messages describes a conversation with a messages array; system instructions normally use a separate root field. Specify the full model ID and max_tokens. The response uses a content-block array rather than the choices structure used by Chat Completions.
Set x-api-key to your Tikway key and configure anthropic-version according to the protocol documentation. The protocol version header and model version are separate settings: changing the header does not select a different Claude model.
- Copy the actual request ID from the catalog without removing prefixes or versions.
- Handle text, tool use and other content blocks according to their types.
- Validate a short text request before adding history or tools.
Claude Code: validate the protocol, then a tool task
Claude Code configuration needs a base address, a key and a model ID. Base URL path composition differs from a complete Messages endpoint. Follow the setup guide and the requirements of your installed tool version.
A successful text request does not establish that file operations, tool calls, long tasks or retry behavior work as expected. Test a small controlled task and review errors and usage before increasing the workload.
- Check whether an existing configuration overrides your environment settings.
- For coding, compare context, output limits and required tool support.
- Check API billing separately from a Claude web or desktop subscription.
Compare Claude input, output and cache costs separately
For the same Claude version, compare ordinary input and output rates first. Then check cache reads, writes and retention rules. Long context and lengthy output affect costs differently; a single advertised multiplier is not a complete task budget.
The public calculator estimates base text costs. Cache use, tool loops and additional capabilities require a separate check against request records. Use the current catalog for available versions and prices rather than relying on a fixed quote in this introduction.
Endpoints & protocol
| Setting | Value or verification step |
|---|---|
| Messages endpoint | POST https://api.tikway.ai/v1/messages |
| Authentication & version | x-api-key: your Tikway key · anthropic-version: follow the protocol docs |
| Request & response | model, max_tokens, messages; read text and other typed blocks in content |
Check prices before estimating a budget
Base text cost = input tokens × input rate + output tokens × output rate
Base catalog prices are in USD per token. Multiply by 1,000,000 to compare a per-million-token quote. The calculator estimates ordinary text input and output only. Check cache, image, video and other charges separately; account billing rules and request records determine the final charge.
Integration & troubleshooting resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an Anthropic key to call Tikway?
Use your own Tikway key for Tikway's service, together with its request address and authentication header. Provider keys are not interchangeable.
Is changing the Claude Code URL enough?
Also check the model ID, authentication, tool version and capabilities your task needs. Validate text and tool tasks separately; not every feature is automatically compatible.
Does the calculator include cache charges?
It estimates ordinary input and output only. Check cache reads, writes and other charges against the catalog and account billing rules.