MiniMax M2.7 in Claude Code: setup and coding test

Leon explains how to use MiniMax M2.7 as the model behind Claude Code. The setup uses a settings.json file in the project's Claude folder to point the Anthropic base URL at MiniMax's endpoint and supply a MiniMax API key. This walkthrough uses a hosted API; it does not demonstrate how to run models locally.

The coding assistant then builds a Reddit clone with Next.js. Leon starts in planning mode, saves the plan, and uses Agent View to manage the work. He installs frontend design and browser skills, starts the development server on port 3000, and asks the goal command to continue through implementation and testing. Four subagents work on separate features, while another session periodically reviews the interface against a design.md file.

The build needs intervention. When the agent gets stuck on authentication, Leon adds Better Auth and Next.js skills. He reports that the work takes about 30 minutes, with conversation compaction once or twice. The final demonstration includes account creation and posting a comment.

Leon describes M2.7 as an open-weight model and compares its coding performance with Opus 4.6. Those performance and cost comparisons are his claims, rather than independent verification. He also discloses a MiniMax partnership.