Dev Tools · 1h ago
Claude Code uses 33k tokens before reading prompt; OpenCode uses 7k
A developer study found Claude Code sends 33,000 tokens in overhead before processing a prompt, while OpenCode sends only 7,000. The inefficiency stems from cache strategy and harness token usage. Users observed higher API costs with Claude Code during real-world use.
Meridian48 take
The token overhead disparity highlights how agentic coding tools can silently inflate costs, making efficiency a key differentiator for developers.
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Claude Code sends 33k tokens before reading the prompt; OpenCode sends 7k →
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