# Choosing a model

> How Vikey model ids work, short names, listing models from the API, and model suggestions for coding.

## Model id shape

Vikey model ids are written `provider/name`, for example:

- `anthropic/claude-sonnet-5.5`
- `openai/gpt-6.1-sol`
- `deepseek/deepseek-v4.1-flash`
- `moonshot/kimi-k3`

The full list with prices is on the [pricing page](https://vikey.ai/en/pricing), or from the API:

```bash
curl https://api.vikey.ai/v1/models -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## Short names

You may leave out the provider, for example `claude-sonnet-5.5` or `deepseek-v4.1-flash`. Vikey looks for a model with that name:

- If exactly one matches, that model is used.
- If the name matches several providers, the request is rejected with `400` and the code `ambiguous_model`, listing the full ids to choose from. Vikey does not pick for you, because prices can differ.

For configs you keep for a long time, use the full id so it does not change when new models are added.

## Hiding the provider name

API keys have an option to hide the provider name. When it is on, `GET /v1/models` shows short names (for example `claude-sonnet-5.5`) for models whose names do not clash. Requests with either the short name or the full id are still accepted.

## Suggestions for coding

| Need | Choice |
| --- | --- |
| You would rather not choose | [Vikey Auto](/en/models/vikey-auto/): `vikey/agent-coding`, `vikey/agent-gpt` or `vikey/agent-mocin` |
| Daily coding, high quality | `anthropic/claude-sonnet-5.5` or `openai/gpt-6.1-sol` |
| Large refactors, hard bugs | `anthropic/claude-opus-5.5` |
| Many light tasks | `deepseek/deepseek-v4.1-flash` or `openai/gpt-6-luna` |

Prices can change. The latest numbers are always on the [pricing page](https://vikey.ai/en/pricing) and in the **Models** menu of the dashboard.

Source: https://docs.vikey.ai/en/models/choosing/