Claude Agent SDK (Python)
Anthropic's Python SDK for building agents on Claude Code's agent loop, with the CLI bundled, custom tools and hooks.
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Use cases
About Claude Agent SDK (Python)
Claude Agent SDK (Python) is listed in our frameworks category and is aimed at builders. Anthropic's Python SDK for building agents on Claude Code's agent loop, with the CLI bundled, custom tools and hooks. Pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Maturity: Mature. We last checked the official link on 2026-10-20.
What is Claude Agent SDK (Python)?
The Claude Agent SDK for Python is Anthropic's official library for building agents on the same harness that powers Claude Code. A simple async query() call streams Claude's messages, and a client class supports interactive sessions, custom tools, hooks and permission settings.
The Claude Code CLI comes bundled with the package, so pip install claude-agent-sdk is enough to start (Python 3.10+); you can point it at your own Claude Code install instead.
Sources: the official README and our directory listing, checked 2026-10-20. Official site: code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview.
Who is Claude Agent SDK (Python) for?
Python developers who want Claude Code's agent loop, tools and permissions inside their own apps and scripts.
Claude Agent SDK (Python) at a glance
- Open source: Yes (MIT License)
- GitHub: anthropics/claude-agent-sdk-python · 8,317 stars (as of Oct 21, 2026)
Key features
- Official Anthropic SDK for the Claude Code harness
- Async query() streaming
- Custom tools, hooks and permissions
- Claude Code CLI bundled
Claude Agent SDK (Python) FAQ
What is Claude Agent SDK (Python)?
The Claude Agent SDK for Python is Anthropic's official library for building agents on the same harness that powers Claude Code. A simple async query() call streams Claude's messages, and a client class supports interactive sessions, custom tools, hooks and permission settings.
Who is Claude Agent SDK (Python) for?
Python developers who want Claude Code's agent loop, tools and permissions inside their own apps and scripts.
Is Claude Agent SDK (Python) free?
Claude Agent SDK (Python)'s pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Open-source tools are free to use, though you may still pay for model API usage or a hosted plan. Check the official site for current plans.
Is Claude Agent SDK (Python) open source?
Yes. Claude Agent SDK (Python) is released under the MIT License, according to its GitHub repository.
Is the Claude Agent SDK free?
The SDK is free and open source (MIT). You pay for Claude usage through the API or your plan.
What are alternatives to Claude Agent SDK (Python)?
Similar tools include OpenAI Agents SDK (Python), Strands Agents, Upsonic, Antigravity SDK, RocketRide and TanStack AI.
Claude Agent SDK (Python) ratings and reviews
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