Claude Code Hooks
Shell commands that run automatically on every Claude Code event (SessionStart, PostToolUse, Stop). Configured in settings.json. Examples: auto-formatter after each Edit, post-edit guard checking naming conventions, context monitor alerting at 80% context.
Strengths
- Transparent automation, activates every session without manual reminder
- Configurable business guardrails: type validation, format, secrets, coverage
- Granular events: pre-tool, post-tool, prompt submit, stop
Limitations
- Risk surface: a badly written hook can block the entire session or execute unwanted code
- Non-trivial debugging, hook errors display in sometimes hard-to-read format
Best for
- Teams wanting to enforce conventions without thinking about it every prompt
- Power users wanting to automate validation, format and context alerts