Coding Tools
Choose a model for coding agents
Compare coding models with the work, context, speed, and budget that matter to you
There is no single best coding model. A model that is excellent at a small patch may be a poor fit for a repository-wide change, and leaderboard results do not predict how well it will follow your own instructions and tools.
Use the Models page for current model IDs, context limits, API formats, and TokenLab prices. Do not copy a permanent recommendation list into your configuration.
Match the model to the job
| Work | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Small edits and autocomplete | Fast responses, low cost, reliable instruction following |
| Debugging | Reading logs and code together, testing hypotheses, staying within scope |
| Code review | Finding concrete defects without flooding the review with speculation |
| Large refactors | Enough context, consistent changes across files, and strong tool use |
| Architecture | Clear tradeoffs, evidence from the repository, and good long-form reasoning |
Use a smaller context for focused work even when the model supports a very large window. More context costs more and can bury the relevant code.
Compare candidates on your own tasks
Choose a few real tasks that represent the work you do. Give each candidate the same repository state, instructions, tools, and time limit. Compare:
- whether the change is correct and complete
- tests passed and regressions introduced
- unnecessary files or code changed
- total tokens and final TokenLab cost
- time to a usable result
- how often a person had to correct the agent
Keep results by task type. One model can be your best reviewer while another is better for implementation or quick edits.
Keep model changes visible
Set the model explicitly in the coding tool. If your application offers a fallback, tell the user when the model changes. A fallback may have a different price, context limit, tool format, or output style.
The API format also matters:
| Tool or model need | Format | Base URL |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI-compatible chat | Chat Completions | https://api.tokenlab.sh/v1 |
| Responses events or tools | Responses | https://api.tokenlab.sh/v1 |
| Claude Messages features | Anthropic Messages | https://api.tokenlab.sh |
| Gemini content and tools | Gemini | https://api.tokenlab.sh |
Check accepted_request_formats for the selected model instead of inferring the format from its name.
Coding tool guides
Claude Code
Use the Anthropic Messages API and a TokenLab API key.
Codex CLI
Configure the TokenLab base URL and review Responses support.
Cursor
Use Cursor's custom OpenAI-compatible settings where BYOK is supported.
OpenCode
Add TokenLab as a custom model provider.
For cost controls, separate API keys, and usage comparison, continue with Control coding agent costs.