hook-configuration

Configure hooks in .claude/settings.json to run at lifecycle events like PreToolUse and PostToolUse. Use exit codes or JSON-based blocking signals to enforce policies—such as preventing edits to .env files—and log all attempts to an audit trail without relying on model interpretation.

Hooks cover PreToolUse, PostToolUse, UserPromptSubmit, PermissionRequest, Notification, Stop, SubagentStop, SessionStart, and SessionEnd. Each event allows you to inject deterministic automation for formatting, validation, permission control, and logging at specific workflow stages.

Yes. PreToolUse hooks can exit with non-zero codes or return JSON-based blocking signals to prevent tool execution. This enables permission control and security policies—for example, blocking modifications to sensitive files before they're attempted.

Centralize all hooks in .claude/settings.json at the project level with event matchers and timeout semantics. This single configuration file ensures consistent, auditable automation across team members without duplicating hook logic.

Hooks provide deterministic, shell-command based automation that runs reliably at defined lifecycle events, regardless of model behavior. Ad-hoc automation relies on model interpretation and lacks the auditability and control that hooks deliver for production workflows.

Yes. Hooks support both exit-code decisions and JSON-based blocking signals for fine-grained permission handling. This allows complex authorization logic—such as conditional approval based on file paths or tool types—to be expressed declaratively in your hook configuration.