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Workflow problem

Choose Claude Code skills or plugins

Reusable instructions and distributable bundles solve related but different setup needs.

The problem

Reusable instructions and distributable bundles solve related but different setup needs.

Native approach

Create a skill as a `SKILL.md` package for reusable instructions. Use a plugin when you need to distribute a bundle of skills, hooks, agents or MCP configuration.

Official Claude Code documentation ↗

Tools to consider

Inspect a bundle’s components before installation; a plugin can carry executable hooks as well as instructions.

FAQ

Can a plugin include a skill?

Yes. Plugins can package skills alongside other Claude Code extensions.

Do skills run commands automatically?

A skill guides the agent; lifecycle hooks are the mechanism for automatic event actions.