Anthropic (Claude)

Claude is Anthropic's AI assistant known for its strong reasoning capabilities, thoughtful responses, and helpful nature. This guide covers how to use Claude through EasilyAI.

Getting Started

API Key Setup

1. Sign up at Anthropic Console
2. Create an API key
3. Set it as an environment variable or use it directly

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-anthropic-api-key"

Basic Usage

from easilyai import create_app

# Create Claude app
app = create_app("Claude", "anthropic", "your-anthropic-api-key", "claude-3-haiku-20240307")

# Generate text
response = app.request("Explain the concept of machine learning")
print(response)

Available Models

Claude 3 Haiku

• Model ID: claude-3-haiku-20240307
• Best for: Fast responses, simple tasks
• Context window: 200K tokens
• Strengths: Speed, cost-effectiveness, efficiency

haiku_app = create_app("Haiku", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-haiku-20240307")
response = haiku_app.request("Summarize this article in 3 bullet points")

Claude 3 Sonnet

• Model ID: claude-3-sonnet-20240229
• Best for: Balanced performance
• Context window: 200K tokens
• Strengths: Good balance of speed and capability

sonnet_app = create_app("Sonnet", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")
analysis = sonnet_app.request("Analyze the pros and cons of renewable energy")

Claude 3 Opus

• Model ID: claude-3-opus-20240229
• Best for: Complex reasoning and analysis
• Context window: 200K tokens
• Strengths: Superior reasoning, nuanced understanding

opus_app = create_app("Opus", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")
complex_analysis = opus_app.request("Provide a detailed analysis of the economic implications of AI automation")

Parameters

Text Generation Parameters

response = app.request(
    "Write a thoughtful essay",
    temperature=0.7,        # Controls randomness (0.0 to 1.0)
    max_tokens=1000,       # Maximum tokens to generate
    top_p=0.9,             # Nucleus sampling
    top_k=250              # Top-k sampling
)

System Messages

Claude works well with system messages to set context and behavior:

response = app.request(
    "What is Python?",
    system="You are a patient programming tutor. Always provide clear examples and encourage learning."
)

Use Cases

Analysis and Reasoning

Claude excels at analytical tasks:

from easilyai import create_app

analyst_app = create_app("Analyst", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Business analysis
business_analysis = analyst_app.request(
    "Analyze the competitive landscape for electric vehicles in 2024. "
    "Consider market leaders, emerging players, technological advantages, "
    "and potential disruptions."
)

# Research synthesis
research_synthesis = analyst_app.request(
    "Synthesize the current research on the effectiveness of remote work. "
    "Include both benefits and challenges, supported by evidence."
)

# Decision support
decision_support = analyst_app.request(
    "I'm considering whether to start a SaaS business or join a startup. "
    "Help me think through the key factors I should consider for each option."
)

Writing and Editing

Claude is excellent for writing tasks:

from easilyai import create_app

writer_app = create_app("Writer", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# Content creation
blog_post = writer_app.request(
    "Write a 800-word blog post about the benefits of mindfulness meditation. "
    "Make it engaging and include practical tips for beginners."
)

# Editing and improvement
editing = writer_app.request(
    "Please edit this paragraph for clarity and flow:\n\n"
    "AI is changing many industries. It can do things that humans used to do. "
    "This is both good and bad. Some people will lose jobs but new jobs will be created."
)

# Technical writing
technical_doc = writer_app.request(
    "Write a technical specification for a REST API that manages user accounts. "
    "Include endpoints, request/response formats, and error handling."
)

Education and Tutoring

Claude makes an excellent tutor:

from easilyai import create_app

tutor_app = create_app("Tutor", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# Concept explanation
explanation = tutor_app.request(
    "Explain quantum entanglement to a high school student. "
    "Use analogies and avoid overly technical language.",
    system="You are a patient, encouraging physics tutor who uses clear analogies."
)

# Problem solving
problem_solving = tutor_app.request(
    "Help me understand how to solve this calculus problem step by step:\n"
    "Find the derivative of f(x) = 3x² + 2x - 5"
)

# Learning guidance
learning_guide = tutor_app.request(
    "I want to learn web development but don't know where to start. "
    "Create a 3-month learning plan for a complete beginner."
)

Code Review and Programming

Claude provides thoughtful code analysis:

from easilyai import create_app

programmer_app = create_app("Programmer", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Code review
code_review = programmer_app.request(
    "Please review this Python function for improvements:\n\n"
    "def calculate_total(items):\n"
    "    total = 0\n"
    "    for item in items:\n"
    "        total = total + item['price']\n"
    "    return total"
)

# Architecture advice
architecture = programmer_app.request(
    "I'm building a web application that will handle user authentication, "
    "file uploads, and real-time messaging. What architecture would you recommend?"
)

# Debugging help
debugging = programmer_app.request(
    "I'm getting a 'list index out of range' error in my Python code. "
    "Here's the relevant code section:\n"
    "[paste your code here]\n"
    "Can you help me understand what's going wrong?"
)

Research and Fact-Checking

Claude can help with research tasks:

from easilyai import create_app

researcher_app = create_app("Researcher", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Literature review
literature_review = researcher_app.request(
    "Provide an overview of recent developments in CRISPR gene editing technology. "
    "Focus on applications, ethical considerations, and regulatory landscape."
)

# Fact verification
fact_check = researcher_app.request(
    "I've heard that honey never spoils. Is this true? "
    "Please explain the science behind honey's preservation properties."
)

# Comparative analysis
comparison = researcher_app.request(
    "Compare and contrast the educational philosophies of John Dewey and Maria Montessori. "
    "How do their approaches differ in practice?"
)

Advanced Techniques

Long-form Conversations

Claude maintains context well across long conversations:

from easilyai import create_app

conversation_app = create_app("Conversation", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Start a conversation
response1 = conversation_app.request(
    "I'm planning to start a vegetable garden. What should I consider first?",
    system="You are a knowledgeable gardening expert. Provide practical, actionable advice."
)

# Continue the conversation (context is maintained)
response2 = conversation_app.request(
    "I live in a climate with harsh winters. How does that affect my planning?"
)

response3 = conversation_app.request(
    "What specific vegetables would you recommend for beginners in my climate?"
)

Structured Thinking

Claude excels at structured analysis:

from easilyai import create_app

structured_app = create_app("Structured", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Framework-based analysis
swot_analysis = structured_app.request(
    "Perform a SWOT analysis for a company considering entering the electric scooter market. "
    "Structure your response with clear sections for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats."
)

# Step-by-step reasoning
step_by_step = structured_app.request(
    "Walk me through the process of evaluating whether to buy or rent a home. "
    "Provide a structured decision-making framework I can follow."
)

Creative Collaboration

Claude can be a creative partner:

from easilyai import create_app

creative_app = create_app("Creative", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# Story development
story_development = creative_app.request(
    "I have an idea for a science fiction story about a world where memories can be traded. "
    "Help me develop this concept further. What are the implications and potential plot lines?"
)

# Brainstorming
brainstorming = creative_app.request(
    "I need creative ideas for a marketing campaign for a sustainable clothing brand. "
    "The target audience is environmentally conscious millennials. "
    "Let's brainstorm some unique approaches."
)

Optimization Tips

Model Selection

Choose the right Claude model for your task:

# For quick, simple tasks
haiku_app = create_app("Quick", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-haiku-20240307")

# For balanced performance
sonnet_app = create_app("Balanced", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# For complex reasoning
opus_app = create_app("Complex", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# Example usage based on complexity
simple_response = haiku_app.request("What is the capital of France?")
balanced_response = sonnet_app.request("Explain the benefits of exercise")
complex_response = opus_app.request("Analyze the geopolitical implications of renewable energy adoption")

Prompt Optimization

Claude responds well to clear, structured prompts:

from easilyai import create_app

app = create_app("Optimized", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# Good prompt structure
optimized_prompt = """
Task: Write a product review
Product: Wireless noise-canceling headphones
Perspective: Tech enthusiast who values audio quality
Requirements:
- Focus on sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort
- Include both pros and cons
- 300-400 words
- Professional but engaging tone

Please structure the review with clear sections and provide specific details about performance.
"""

review = app.request(optimized_prompt)

Temperature and Creativity Control

from easilyai import create_app

app = create_app("TemperatureTest", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-sonnet-20240229")

# Low temperature for factual, consistent responses
factual_response = app.request(
    "Explain the process of photosynthesis",
    temperature=0.1
)

# Medium temperature for balanced responses
balanced_response = app.request(
    "Write a product description for a smart watch",
    temperature=0.5
)

# Higher temperature for creative responses
creative_response = app.request(
    "Write a creative short story about time travel",
    temperature=0.8
)

Error Handling

Common Claude Errors

from easilyai import create_app
from easilyai.exceptions import EasilyAIException

app = create_app("Claude", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-haiku-20240307")

try:
    response = app.request("Your prompt here")
    print(response)
except EasilyAIException as e:
    error_msg = str(e).lower()
    
    if "authentication" in error_msg:
        print("Authentication failed. Check your Anthropic API key.")
    elif "rate limit" in error_msg:
        print("Rate limit exceeded. Please wait before making more requests.")
    elif "content" in error_msg:
        print("Content was flagged. Try rephrasing your prompt.")
    else:
        print(f"Claude API error: {e}")

Handling Long Responses

from easilyai import create_app

app = create_app("Claude", "anthropic", "your-key", "claude-3-opus-20240229")

# For very long content, you might need to chunk it
def get_long_response(prompt, max_tokens=4000):
    try:
        response = app.request(prompt, max_tokens=max_tokens)
        return response
    except EasilyAIException as e:
        if "token" in str(e).lower():
            # If response is too long, try with fewer tokens
            return app.request(prompt, max_tokens=max_tokens//2)
        else:
            raise e

Best Practices

1. Be Specific and Clear

# Vague
vague_prompt = "Tell me about AI"

# Specific
specific_prompt = "Explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised machine learning, with examples of each"

2. Use System Messages

response = app.request(
    "How do I fix this code bug?",
    system="You are a helpful programming mentor. Always explain your reasoning and suggest best practices."
)

3. Structure Complex Requests

structured_request = """
Please help me with the following:

Context: I'm building a web application for a small business
Task: Design a database schema for inventory management
Requirements:
- Track products, categories, suppliers
- Handle stock levels and transactions
- Support multiple locations

Please provide the schema with explanations for design decisions.
"""

4. Leverage Claude's Reasoning

Claude excels at showing its work:

reasoning_prompt = """
I need to choose between two job offers. Can you help me create a decision framework?

Job A: Higher salary, longer commute, less interesting work
Job B: Lower salary, remote work, more growth opportunities

Please walk me through a systematic way to evaluate these options.
"""

Comparison with Other Services

Claude vs GPT-4

• Claude: Better at reasoning, more conversational, helpful nature
• GPT-4: Broader knowledge, more creative, better at code generation

Claude vs Gemini

• Claude: Superior reasoning and analysis
• Gemini: Better for code and multimodal tasks

When to Use Claude

• Complex analysis and reasoning tasks
• Educational and tutoring applications
• Research and writing projects
• Ethical and nuanced discussions
• Long-form conversations requiring context

Claude's thoughtful and reasoning-focused approach makes it an excellent choice for tasks requiring careful analysis and nuanced understanding.