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Claude Code on Smart Pi One

Claude Code on Smart Pi One

Claude Code is Anthropic's official AI coding assistant, adapted by YUMI-LAB to run natively on the 32-bit ARM (armv7l) Smart Pi One and Smart Pad — hardware the standard installer rejects as incompatible.

Repository: github.com/Yumi-Lab/claude-code-smartpi

1. How it works

Claude Code version 2.1.112 is the last npm release distributed as pure JavaScript — later versions switched to 64-bit-only Bun binaries. This project pins that version, so it runs on any board with Node.js ≥ 18, with no emulation. It runs directly on the CPU, which makes it the fastest AI assistant option on the board.

2. Requirements

  • Node.js ≥ 18
  • armv7l / 32-bit ARM CPU (Allwinner H3)
  • At least 1 GB RAM
  • A Debian-based Linux distribution
  • A Claude Pro or Max account (no API key needed)

3. Installation

Run the one-line installer on your Smart Pi One:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Yumi-Lab/claude-code-smartpi/main/install.sh | bash

The installer pins version 2.1.112, disables auto-updates (newer releases are 64-bit only), and installs earlyoom for memory safety on low-RAM boards.

4. Authentication

Claude Code signs in with your Claude Pro/Max account — no API key required.

Start the OAuth flow:

claude setup-token

This prints a URL. Open it in a browser on any machine, approve access, and copy the one-time code. Then save the token on the board:

claude-token-save sk-ant-oat01-…

The generated token is valid for one year.

5. Usage

Command Purpose
claude Interactive assistant with the full terminal UI
claude -p "your question" Single-shot answer, with agent mode enabled
claude setup-token Start the OAuth authentication flow
claude-token-save <token> Save your authentication token

In agent mode, Claude Code can read and edit files and run commands on the board — ideal for writing GPIO scripts, configuring services, or debugging your Smart Pi projects.

Example Claude Code session on a Smart Pi One Example session (illustration).

6. Notes

  • Auto-update is disabled on purpose. Do not upgrade Claude Code past 2.1.112 — newer versions are 64-bit only and will not run on the Smart Pi One.
  • Two environment variables enable 32-bit compatibility: USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP=0 (use the system ripgrep) and DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER=1 (prevent an incompatible downgrade/upgrade).
  • The installer scripts are MIT-licensed; Claude Code itself remains subject to Anthropic's terms, as it is installed from official sources.