GLM 5.2 feels close to Claude’s top coding model in Claude Code
GLM 5.2 was used inside Claude Code through an API that works like Anthropic’s. The testing covered database work, backend payment API work, backend and frontend bug fixing, Laravel web development, and React frontend work.
With its thinking setting turned up to the highest level, it felt similar to Opus 4.8 running with a very high reasoning setting. This is not based on formal , only firsthand development use.
was also used inside Claude Code, mostly as an helper, and felt closer to in that narrower role. GLM 5.2 stood out as the first non- that seemed close to Claude’s best coding ability, including planning work and drafting specs.
Key points
- GLM 5.2 was connected to Claude Code through an API.
- It was tried on database, payment backend, Laravel, React, and debugging work.
- At its highest thinking setting, it felt close to Opus 4.8 with strong reasoning enabled.
- was useful as an helper, but GLM 5.2 felt stronger across broader coding work.
- The comparison is anecdotal, so it should be tested on real personal projects before switching workflows.