Claude Code in a Minute: Hooks

In one sentence

Hooks let you run custom actions when Claude Code hits defined lifecycle events.

Why it matters

Manual “remember to lint” instructions fail under time pressure. Hooks can enforce repo policy at the moment an agent acts.

How it works

Conceptually, you bind a command or script to an event (for example, around tool use or session milestones). Typical uses:

• format or lint touched files;
• block commits when secrets are detected;
• log session metadata for audit;
• remind the agent of a verification command.

Exact hook names and config formats change—confirm them in current Anthropic Claude Code docs before deploying. Prefer deterministic, fast hooks.

Example

A useful pattern: after substantive edits, run the project’s fast unit test target and surface failures immediately—without replacing CI.

Agentic coding use

Hooks are policy-as-code for agent sessions. They complement permissions: permissions decide whether an action can occur; hooks respond when it does.

Watch out

Slow or flaky hooks train people to disable them. Keep hooks local, quick, and obvious. Never use hooks for silent production deploys.