Getting Started with OpenClaw
OpenClaw is an open-source AI coding assistant that brings Claude Code-like capabilities with full model flexibility.
Installation
```bash
npm install -g openclaw
or
pipx install openclaw
```
Configure Your Backend
OpenClaw supports multiple LLM providers:
```bash
Use Anthropic Claude
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...
openclaw --model claude-sonnet-4
Use OpenAI
export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
openclaw --model gpt-4o
Use local models via Ollama
ollama serve
openclaw --model ollama/deepseek-coder-v2
```
Basic Usage
```bash
Start interactive mode in your project
cd my-project
openclaw
Non-interactive mode
openclaw --prompt "Add error handling to all API routes"
With specific files
openclaw --files src/api/*.ts --prompt "Add input validation"
```
Key Differences from Claude Code
| Feature | Claude Code | OpenClaw |
|---------|------------|----------|
| Model Lock-in | Claude only | Any LLM |
| Source Code | Closed | MIT Open Source |
| Local Models | No | Yes (Ollama) |
| Official Support | Anthropic | Community |
| Security Audit | Anthropic team | Community review |
| Price | $20/mo (Pro) | Free (BYOK) |