claude-headless

Automate headless Claude Code CLI, stream-json, and resume modes.

37|7|Updated Apr 8, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #testing #cli #agent-sdk #ndjson #claude-headless

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/dotfiles-claude --skill claude-headless-archibate

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: claude-headless
Source: https://github.com/archibate/dotfiles-claude/tree/main/skills/claude-headless
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/dotfiles-claude --skill claude-headless-archibate

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Claude Code headless usage for programmatic control, streaming results, and SDK integration.

Core Features & Use Cases

CLI-based control for Claude Code (one-shot, stream-json, resume)
NDJSON streaming protocol for real-time interaction
Agent SDK wrappers for multi-turn automation and testing

Quick Start

Start a headless Claude session to spawn Claude as a subprocess, test prompts, and verify streaming output.

Frequently Asked Questions about claude-headless

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I run Claude Code headlessly for CLI automation?▼

Run Claude Code headlessly by spawning it as a subprocess to automate CLI workflows. This Skill provides command-line control supporting one-shot, stream-json, and resume modes for programmatic execution.

What is NDJSON streaming and how does it work with Claude subprocesses?▼

NDJSON streaming enables real-time interaction with a Claude subprocess by sending structured data line by line. This Skill implements the NDJSON streaming protocol to parse streaming output during headless sessions.

Can I use the Agent SDK for multi-turn automation and testing with Claude?▼

Yes, you can use the Agent SDK wrappers to build multi-turn automation and test agent behavior. The Skill provides references for SDK integration to validate prompts and manage interactive sessions.

Does headless Claude Code support resuming previous sessions?▼

Headless Claude Code supports resuming previous sessions through its resume mode. This allows you to continue multi-turn interactions programmatically without losing the context of earlier subprocess executions.

What's the best way to test skill behavior programmatically using Claude?▼

The best way to test skill behavior is by spawning Claude as a subprocess and using stream-json mode. This Skill automates headless usage to verify prompts, test skills, and capture real-time streaming output.

When do I need to use stream-json mode for headless Claude sessions?▼

You need stream-json mode when you require real-time, structured output parsing during headless Claude sessions. It allows your automation scripts to process NDJSON streams as the subprocess generates responses.