NoobyGains/claude-pulse

What it solves

Claude Code users often lack real-time visibility into their usage limits and costs. claude-pulse provides a highly customizable status bar that integrates directly into the Claude Code terminal interface, allowing users to monitor session and weekly limits, context window usage, and spending in real-time without needing to manually check settings or make external API calls.

How it works

The tool reads JSON data piped via stdin from Claude Code on every status refresh. It processes this data—including rate limits, model information, and cost—and renders it as a colorized ANSI status line. It can also install a PostToolUse hook to track tool calls, elapsed time, and Git branch changes. To handle time-based updates (like animations and timers), it configures Claude Code's refreshInterval setting.

Who it’s for

Developers using Claude Code (v2.1.80+) with a Pro or Max subscription who want a visual, real-time dashboard of their AI usage and costs directly in their terminal.

Highlights

• Real-time Monitoring: Tracks session and weekly limits, context window pressure, and per-model caps (Opus, Sonnet, Fable).
• Zero-API Dependency: Reads usage data directly from Claude Code's stdin, avoiding OAuth and rate limiting issues.
• Cost Tracking: Live session cost tracking with support for over 25 currencies and live exchange rates.
• Highly Customizable: Features 10 themes, 5 animation modes, and 8 bar styles to fit any terminal aesthetic.
• Integrated Tools: Includes a built-in focus timer, Git branch display, and a heartbeat indicator for tool usage.
• Lightweight: A single-file Python script with zero external dependencies.