The Complete Claude Guide
Chapter 15 · CLI

Creating plugins: manifest, components and publishing

Creating your own plugin lets you package capabilities the team needs repeatedly: commands, agents, skills and hooks. The manifest defines the package, and evals verify it works before publishing.

Verified against source on 2026-09-30

Video

Steps

  1. Start with the manifest: name, version, description and components. A clear name and precise description help users know when to use it.
  2. Add components gradually: one command or one agent first, verifying they load before expanding.
  3. Check dependencies between components and version compatibility, and document special requirements in the readme.
  4. Before publishing, run evals demonstrating the components do what is promised, and publish to the marketplace your team uses.
Common pitfall: A plugin published without evals can fail for others exactly when they rely on it; testing before publishing is part of the product.
Hands-on exercise: Create a plugin skeleton with a manifest and one command. Load it locally and verify the command appears.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase

Recap

Comprehension check

What is the manifest role in a plugin?

Recap

Official sources

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