Free LLM Power for Coding with Baseten API

Looking for a free or low-cost LLM API to supercharge your coding workflow? Baseten is an excellent inference platform that gives developers access to powerful open-source models through an OpenAI-compatible API. With generous starting credits for new users, you can integrate strong coding models (like DeepSeek, Qwen, Llama variants, and more) directly into VS Code or your favorite IDE.

Why Baseten for Coding?

• OpenAI-compatible endpoints — works seamlessly with tools like Continue.dev, Cline, or custom scripts.
• Access to high-performance models optimized for coding and reasoning.
• Pay-per-use with free starter credits — perfect for testing and daily development tasks.
• Fast inference and reliable performance for chat completions, code generation, and debugging.

Step-by-Step: Get Started with Baseten API

1. Sign Up
   Go to baseten.co, create a free account (GitHub or email), and head to the dashboard.

2. Generate API Key
   Navigate to Settings → API Keys. Create a new key and copy it safely. Note the base URL: https://inference.baseten.co/v1.

3. Choose Your Model
   Browse available Model APIs. Look for cost-effective options suitable for coding (e.g., smaller but capable models like Qwen or DeepSeek variants). New accounts often start with credits to experiment.

4. Integrate into VS Code
   Install extensions like Continue.dev or Kilocode. Add Baseten as a custom provider:

   • Paste your API key.
   • Set the base URL.
   • Select your preferred model.

   Start chatting with the AI directly in your codebase for autocompletion, refactoring, or generating new features.