---
title: "I'm an engineer, not a programmer — I built a free Claude Code mod that tells you which AI model fits each task"
url: "https://claudemods.dev/en/builds/i-m-an-engineer-not-a-programmer-i-built-a-free-claude-code--58672f"
source: "https://www.reddit.com/r/sideprojects/comments/1x3jqox/im_an_engineer_not_a_programmer_i_built_a_free"
source_type: "reddit"
author: "HerlonVHE"
author_handle: "HerlonVHE"
stars: 0
category: "Workflows & CI"
categories: ["workflow"]
tags: ["cost-optimization", "model-selection", "pixel-art", "reddit", "side-panel"]
permission_level: null
scan_complete: false
added: "2026-10-16T16:46:55.841Z"
updated: "2026-10-16T16:46:55.841Z"
locale: "en"
content_locale: "en"
---

# I'm an engineer, not a programmer — I built a free Claude Code mod that tells you which AI model fits each task

A Reddit showcase of Model Squad, a free open-source Claude Code side panel with pixel-art characters that judges each request and recommends the right model (Haiku, Sonnet or Opus), holding harder prompts for six seconds with a countdown so users can switch models or continue. No repository link, install instructions or demo media are included.

## Original README

I use Claude every day at my engineering company and kept paying for the most expensive model even for simple questions. So, with Claude's help, I built Model Squad: a side panel with a pixel-art squad that judges every request and suggests the right model. 🔧 Haiku the Worker: quick stuff 💼 Sonnet the Manager: everyday writing and research 🎖️ Sergeant Opus: technical analysis, code, hard tasks If a question is too hard for your current model, it's held for 6 seconds with a countdown clock: ask the stronger model just this once, switch, or carry on. Free, open source, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Feedback welcome!   submitted by   /u/HerlonVHE   to   r/sideprojects [link]   [comments]