A Claude Code plugin is a package that adds to Claude Code in one install: slash commands, specialist subagents, hooks that run on events, skills and MCP servers. Instead of copying files between machines, a team installs the same plugins and everyone gets the same workflow.
- Plugins listed here
- 5
- Free to install
- 5
What is inside a plugin
- .claude-plugin/
- plugin.jsonname, version, description
- commands/slash commands, one Markdown file each
- review.mdbecomes /your-plugin:review
- agents/subagents with their own instructions and tools
- skills/skills that load when a task fits
- hooks/
- hooks.jsoncommands that run on events
- .mcp.jsonMCP servers the plugin brings with it
| Part | What it does | You use it by |
|---|---|---|
| Commands | A saved instruction with arguments | Typing /plugin-name:command |
| Agents | A specialist that works in its own context | Asking for it, or Claude choosing it |
| Hooks | A script that runs on an event, such as before a tool runs | Nothing: it runs on its own |
| Skills | Know-how loaded when a task fits | Nothing: Claude loads it when relevant |
| MCP servers | Access to outside tools and data | Asking a question that needs them |
How to install a plugin
Plugins are published in marketplaces: a list of plugins in a git repository or at a web address. Vayleer runs one marketplace for every plugin listed here. Add it once, then install any plugin in it. Both commands run inside Claude Code:
/plugin marketplace add https://vayleer.com/plugins/marketplace.json/plugin install failsafe@vayleerType /plugin on its own to browse marketplaces, turn plugins on and off, or remove them. To give a whole team the same setup, list the marketplace and plugins in the project’s .claude/settings.json; teammates are offered them when they trust the folder.
Hooks: the part that can say no
Hooks run on their own, whether or not Claude remembers to. A PreToolUse hook sees every command before it runs and can block it, ask you first or let it through.
{ "hooks": { "PreToolUse": [ { "matcher": "Bash", "hooks": [ { "type": "command", "command": "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/check-command.js" } ] } ] }}| Event | When it runs | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
PreToolUse | Before a tool runs | Block destructive commands or secrets in files |
PostToolUse | After a tool runs | Format code, run a linter on what changed |
UserPromptSubmit | When you send a message | Add context, such as the current ticket |
SessionStart | When a session starts | Load project notes |
Stop | When Claude finishes | Run tests, send a notification |
Plugins to try
FailSafe
Plugin by Dude Lemon LLCBest forstopping a destructive command before it runs
- Blocks the catastrophic, such as
rm -rfof a home folder, and asks before force pushes, hard resets and dropped tables - Reads whole commands, including what is wrapped in
sudo,envorbash -c - A small local script: nothing leaves your machine
KeySafe
Plugin by Dude Lemon LLCBest forkeeping API keys out of code and commits
- Blocks live keys written into code, with a note to use an environment variable instead
- Checks staged lines before a commit, across 35 key formats
- Leaves test keys and placeholders alone
CommitWise
Plugin by Dude Lemon LLCBest forcommit messages and pull requests in your repository’s own style
- Matches the convention your recent commits already use, including Conventional Commits
- Splits a large change into commits with one concern each, and shows the plan first
- Nothing is committed until you agree
Technical SEO audits in Claude Code, traced to the file and line to fix
AI code review for Claude Code: security, accessibility and performance
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a plugin and a skill?
A skill is one piece of know-how. A plugin is a package that can contain skills along with commands, agents, hooks and MCP servers, installed together.
Where do Claude Code plugins come from?
From marketplaces: a git repository or web address with a list of plugins. Anyone can publish one, so check the reviews and the source code before you install.
Can a hook stop Claude from running a command?
Yes. A PreToolUse hook can block a command outright, ask you to confirm it, or allow it, before it runs.
How do I turn a plugin off?
Type /plugin in Claude Code, choose the plugin and disable or uninstall it.
