GLM Code MAX MODE: Enable these FEATURES w/ $3 PLAN & Beat CLAUDE CODE!

Key Concepts

• GLM Coding Plan (specifically GLM 4.5 and GLM 4.5 Vision): A cheaper and potentially better alternative to Claude for AI coding assistance.
• Architect Mode: A method of prompting the AI to create a plan before executing code changes.
• Markdown Plan File: A file where the AI stores its plan, allowing it to refer back and stay on track.
• MCPS (Maximum Context Prompt Size): Limiting the number of tools the AI uses for documentation fetching.
• Morph Fast Apply: A model fine-tuned for edit applying, specifically for code search and replace.
• Multimodality: The ability of a model to process different types of data, such as images and video.
• Codebase Indexing: A method of improving performance by indexing the codebase, but may sometimes rot the context.

Maximizing GLM Coding Plan Performance

This section details how to optimize the performance of the GLM Coding Plan, particularly the $3 plan.

• Architect Mode and Markdown Plans: For each bug fix or feature request, use architect mode to have the AI create a plan first. Store this plan in a markdown file. This helps ensure the AI stays on track and can refer back to the plan if it deviates.
• Simple Rules: Keep the rules provided to the AI simple and concise due to context limitations. Examples of rules include:
  • Plan for every edge case.
  • Do the task as efficiently as possible.
  • Don't overcomplicate tasks.
  • Always keep a markdown plan file and refer back to it as needed.
  • Always keep an eye on the terminal windows and linter for properly generated code.
• MCPS Limitation: Limit the MCPS to 7 for documentation fetching. Fewer tools can improve performance.
• Morph Fast Apply (Kilo Code): If using Kilo Code, enable the Morph Fast Apply option. This uses a model fine-tuned for edit applying, making code search and replace faster and reducing errors. It costs about $1 per million output tokens and $0.8 per million input tokens.
• Multimodality with GLM 4.5 Vision or Gemini 2.5 Flash: Since GLM 4.5 isn't multimodal, use GLM 4.5 Vision (a variant of GLM 4.5) for tasks requiring image or video input. It's cheap at $0.6 for input and $1.8 for output. Alternatively, use Gemini 2.5 Flash for free through the API to transcribe a screenshot into a prompt.
• Codebase Indexing: Experiment with codebase indexing to see if it improves performance, but be aware that it can sometimes rot the context.

GLM Coding Plan Overview

• Accessibility: ZAI has expanded access from Claude Code to almost all kinds of coders. It works with Rue, Klein, Kilo, and Open Code.
• Integration: To use it, set up the API base URL and model in your coding environment.
• Model Performance: GLM 4.5 is a good AI coder, but it may not always one-shot tasks. It is good at taking feedback and implementing fixes.
• Cost: GLM Coding Plan is cheap, costing around $3 or $15 depending on the plan.

Real-World Applications

• GitHub Workflows: GLM Coding Plan works well with Open Code, allowing for the creation of shell scripts to automate tasks or use it in GitHub workflows.

Arguments and Perspectives

• The speaker prefers GLM over Anthropic because GLM's models are open source and they haven't rugpulled.
• The speaker doesn't care that GLM is a Chinese company.

Sponsor Mention

• MicroSass Fast: A Next.js JS boilerplate with clerk, stripe, resend, hostgreeql and AI instructions that cut hallucinations by 90% for vibe coding. It helps launch MicroSASS or AI side projects faster.

Conclusion

GLM Coding Plan, particularly the $3 plan, offers a cost-effective alternative to Claude for AI coding assistance. By implementing strategies like using architect mode, keeping rules simple, limiting MCPS, utilizing Morph Fast Apply (if using Kilo Code), and leveraging GLM 4.5 Vision or Gemini 2.5 Flash for multimodal tasks, users can maximize the performance and value of the GLM Coding Plan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of experimenting with codebase indexing and utilizing the tool in GitHub workflows.