Where should the plugin manifest be located?

The plugin.json manifest must be placed specifically within the .claude-plugin/ directory at the root of your plugin.

Can I use custom directories for my plugin components?

Yes, while Claude has default folders, you can specify custom relative paths for commands, agents, and hooks in your plugin.json file.

How does Claude Code discover new commands?

Claude Code automatically scans the commands/ directory for any .md files with valid frontmatter and registers them as native slash commands.

What is the difference between a Command and a Skill?

Commands are user-invoked slash commands, whereas Skills are domain-specific guidance that Claude activates autonomously based on the task context.

Why is ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT} important?

This environment variable ensures your plugin remains portable across different operating systems and installation methods by avoiding hardcoded absolute paths.

Claude Code Plugin Architect

Name: Claude Code Plugin Architect
Author: Activer007

byActiver007

0•

Developer Tools

Standardizes and accelerates the creation of Claude Code plugins through structured directory layouts and manifest configuration.

This skill provides comprehensive guidance for developers building and maintaining Claude Code extensions. It streamlines the process of scaffolding plugin directories, configuring the required plugin.json manifest, and organizing complex components like slash commands, subagents, and hooks. By enforcing architectural best practices—such as using portable path references via ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT} and adhering to auto-discovery conventions—it ensures that custom AI tools are robust, portable, and seamlessly integrated into the Claude Code ecosystem.

Key Features

01Standardized directory scaffolding for commands, agents, and skills

02Portable path management using ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT} variables

03Best practices for component naming and auto-discovery mechanisms

040 GitHub stars

05Automated manifest (plugin.json) configuration and metadata setup

06Event hook registration and MCP server integration guidance

Use Cases

01Refactoring loose scripts into a formal, discoverable plugin architecture

02Scaffolding a new Claude Code plugin from scratch with a valid directory structure

03Configuring complex event-driven hooks and MCP server connections for advanced workflows

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add activer007/ordinary-claude-skills command-name

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill