claude-plugins-guide

A Claude Code plugin manifest requires name, description, version, and author fields in its frontmatter. These standardized fields ensure reliable plugin registration and consistent skill discovery across the Claude Code ecosystem.

To register a Claude Code plugin in the marketplace, add an entry to the .claude-plugin/marketplace.json file and create the corresponding SKILL.md file with the required frontmatter for auto-discovery.

Optional resource directories like scripts, references, and assets are used in Claude Code plugins when you need to organize supplementary files. They provide metadata for discoverability and support extended plugin functionality.

Yes, Claude Code plugin development uses specific directory conventions, placing skill definitions in .claude/skills/ and marketplace configurations in .claude-plugin/. Standardizing these manifests ensures consistent skill discovery across projects.

Plugin conventions are needed for Claude Code marketplace registration to standardize manifests and ensure reliable auto-discovery. Without consistent frontmatter and directory structures, plugins cannot be reliably discovered across the ecosystem.

You must include the required frontmatter fields (name, description, version, author) in your Claude Code plugin manifest. You can then extend it by adding optional resources with metadata to enhance discoverability without breaking conventions.