Claude Bridge Server MCP Server

Collaborate between Claude Code and Z.ai's GLM models via a shared task queue.

README.md

Claude Bridge

An MCP server that enables collaboration between Claude Code and Z.ai's GLM models — use Claude Opus for planning while GLM handles implementation.

Combine the strengths of Claude Code and Z.ai's GLM in one workflow. This MCP server lets Opus handle high-level planning while GLM tackles implementation — coordinated through a shared task queue, running simultaneously in separate terminals. Run Claude Code with your Max subscription or API for architecture, and Claude Code with Z.ai (GLM) for execution — both working together at the same time.


Why This Exists

You have a Claude subscription but you're hitting limits. Getting a second Claude subscription is pricey (or upgrading might be too expensive) — but a Z.ai subscription costs less and GLM codes just as well as Sonnet.

The question: How do you make Claude and GLM work together?

The answer: Claude Bridge. An MCP server that coordinates both through a shared task queue.

┌─────────────────────────┐                    ┌─────────────────────────┐
│   Terminal 1            │                    │   Terminal 2            │
│   Claude Opus           │                    │   Z.ai GLM              │
│   (Architect)           │                    │   (Executor)            │
│                         │    Claude Bridge   │                         │
│   • Plans features      │◄──────────────────►│   • Pulls tasks         │
│   • Designs architecture│    (Shared Queue)  │   • Writes code         │
│   • Makes decisions     │                    │   • Reports back        │
└─────────────────────────┘                    └─────────────────────────┘

Quick Example

Terminal 1 (Opus): "Push a task to implement JWT authentication"

Terminal 2 (GLM): "Pull the next task" → implements → "Complete the task"

Terminal 1: "What did the executor complete?" → reviews results

Features

  • Task Queue — Priority-based with dependencies and categories
  • Shared State — Project focus and decisions visible to both
  • Session Context — Resume where you left off
  • Clarifications — Executor asks questions, Architect responds
  • Token-Conscious — Designed to minimize Opus usage

When NOT to Use This

If you're using a planning framework like Get-Shit-Done (GSD), you don't need this bridge. Frameworks like GSD store context in project files (.planning/) that both terminals can read directly. Slash commands like /gsd:plan-phase and /gsd:execute-phase work in any terminal.

Use Claude Bridge for:

  • Ad-hoc tasks, quick fixes, one-off research
  • Projects without a planning framework
  • Session continuity across restarts

Skip the bridge if:

  • Using GSD or similar file-based planning frameworks
  • Both terminals share the project filesystem

Prerequisites

Terminal Profile Setup

Same subscription in both terminals? Just run claude in each — no profile setup needed.

Claude + Z.ai GLM? Add this function to your shell profile:

Windows PowerShell (notepad $PROFILE):

function use-glm {
    $env:ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL = "https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic"
    $env:ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN = "your_zai_api_key_here"
    Write-Host ">>> GLM ACTIVE (Executor mode)" -ForegroundColor Cyan
}

macOS/Linux (~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc):

use-glm() {
    export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic"
    export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN="your_zai_api_key_here"
    echo ">>> GLM ACTIVE (Executor mode)"
}

Usage:

  • Terminal 1: Just run claude (uses your Claude subscription)
  • Terminal 2: Run use-glm, then claude (uses Z.ai API)

See GUIDE.md for complete setup details.

Quick Start

# 1. Clone and build
git clone https://github.com/Joncik91/claude-bridge-server.git
cd claude-bridge-server
./setup.sh          # or setup.bat on Windows

# 2. Configure MCP (see GUIDE.md for details)
claude mcp add --scope user --transport stdio claude-bridge -- node /path/to/server/dist/index.js

Documentation

GUIDE.md — Complete setup, terminal configuration, usage, and troubleshooting

Works with Other MCP Clients Too

While designed for Claude + GLM, the bridge is a standard MCP server — it works with any MCP-compatible CLI:

  • Two Claude Code instances (same or different subscriptions)
  • [Gemini C

Environment Variables

ANTHROPIC_BASE_URLBase URL for the API (e.g., https://api.z.ai/api/anthropic)
ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKENAPI authentication token for the model provider

Try it

Push a task to implement JWT authentication to the queue.
Pull the next task from the queue.
What did the executor complete?
Review the results of the last completed task.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of Claude Bridge Server?

Priority-based task queue with dependencies and categories. Shared project state and decision visibility. Session context management for resuming work. Clarification loop between architect and executor. Token-conscious design to minimize Opus usage.

What can I use Claude Bridge Server for?

Coordinating high-level architecture planning with low-level code implementation. Scaling development capacity by using a cheaper GLM model for execution. Managing ad-hoc tasks and quick fixes across multiple terminal sessions. Maintaining session continuity across project restarts.

How do I install Claude Bridge Server?

Install Claude Bridge Server by running: git clone https://github.com/Joncik91/claude-bridge-server.git && cd claude-bridge-server && ./setup.sh

What MCP clients work with Claude Bridge Server?

Claude Bridge Server works with any MCP-compatible client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, and other editors with MCP support.

Turn this server into reusable context

Keep Claude Bridge Server docs, env vars, and workflow notes in Conare so your agent carries them across sessions.

Open Conare