Claude Code Hooks Overview

Summary

• The meeting introduced Claude code hooks, detailing their capabilities for automating tasks and enforcing organizational coding standards.
• Key hook types and practical uses were discussed, including pre- and post-tool hooks, notification hooks, and filtering mechanisms.
• Step-by-step guidance for installation, setup, and practical examples was provided to support organizational customization.

Action Items

• (no explicit due dates provided; see below for implied task assignments)
• Install jq: Each user to ensure jq is installed locally before setting up hooks.
• Install Claude Code: Users to install Claude Code on their machine.
• Test Hook Functionality: Users to implement and test pre-tool and post-tool hooks as demonstrated.
• Explore Additional Hooks: Users to test notification, user prompt, session start, and formatting hooks for other use cases.
• Review Sample Scripts: Team to review and adapt provided example scripts for logging, formatting, Slack notification, and file protection.

Introduction to Claude Code Hooks

• Claude code hooks enable customization and automation within Claude code via pre-defined triggers, addressing potential code quality issues and supporting organizational rules.
• Common use cases include auto-formatting, logging, providing automated code review feedback, blocking sensitive modifications, and sending notifications (e.g., Slack).
• Hooks empower teams to regulate cloud code behavior beyond default capabilities.

Types of Hooks and Practical Applications

• Pre-tool and post-tool hooks allow commands/scripts to run before or after a tool executes (e.g., logging tool use, modifying output).
• Input filtering hooks enable organizations to pre-process or block terminal input, enforcing company-specific language or code standards.
• Notification hooks send messages to platforms like Slack or as desktop alerts upon completion of specific tasks.
• Session start hooks can run welcome messages or scripts when a new session begins.
• Additional examples provided include file protection, markdown formatting, and running Python/Bash scripts for advanced customization.

Installation and Setup Steps

• Prerequisite: jq (command-line JSON processor) must be installed. Installation instructions for macOS, Windows, and Linux were shared.
• Claude code should be installed via the CLI. Once installed, typing claude in the terminal launches the tool.
• Hooks can be managed via the /hooks command, allowing configuration at local, project, or system-wide scope.

Demonstration and Testing

• Example demonstrated: Setting up a pre-tool hook for the Bash tool to log command input/description to a text file, verifying logging by reviewing the target file.
• Additional instructions provided for hook storage locations and the importance of restarting Claude code for hooks to take effect.
• Examples given for running Python scripts and using hooks for notifications and input filtering.

Decisions

• Adopt Claude Code Hooks for Enhanced Customization and Compliance — Hooks will be used to automate formatting, enforce coding standards, log command usage, and strengthen security on production files.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

• Will organization-specific scripts for filtering or protection require additional review or approval before deployment?
• Are there centralized guidelines for where to store hooks (local, project, or computer-wide) to ensure consistency across teams?