Chapter C54 · Interactive Course
Hooks, plugins and reusable systems
Events, scripts, packages, provenance, dependencies and versions.
Core Learning Concept
Choose the appropriate extension for the stated job and inspect what it brings with it. Distinguish event-driven hooks, executable scripts, reusable skills, and plugin packaging. Check origin, compatibility, dependencies, and versions. Then compare the changed workflow with saved examples before relying on it.
What You’ll Learn in This Chapter
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A hook reacts to an event
Distinguish an event handler from model-selected instructions.
A hook executes custom logic automatically in response to host lifecycle events, such as tool calls or file modifications. Check trigger conditions and error boundaries instead of assuming all hooks run unconditionally.
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A script executes defined steps
Separate deterministic code from a model interpreting a skill.
A script executes a defined program. Its result can depend on inputs, environment, time, randomness, and external services, so repeated runs need not be identical. Read what it does and test representative conditions. Automation makes a procedure repeatable to invoke, not automatically correct or harmless.
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A plugin bundles extensions
Recognize a package containing skills, tools or configuration.
A plugin bundles extensions for a host, which may include skills, tools, hooks, or other resources. The container name does not tell you every capability it adds. Inspect the components and requested access, especially anything executable or triggered automatically, before relying on its behavior.
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A marketplace is discovery, not proof
Identify provenance information needed before use.
A marketplace helps discover packages and may provide review signals, but listing alone is not complete evidence of suitability or safety. Check the publisher, source, version, maintenance, and capabilities requested. Use those facts together with relevant testing rather than relying only on popularity or presentation.
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Compatibility includes dependencies
Explain why a portable skill may still need local software.
Compatibility includes the host’s supported format plus required runtimes, tools, libraries, services, and access. A copied folder does not automatically provide those dependencies. Read the package requirements and test in the intended environment. Distinguish a missing dependency from an error in the skill’s procedure.
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Version a workflow when it changes
Keep a known-good skill and a changed candidate distinct.
Versioning identifies the workflow and resources that produced a result. When changing them, preserve a recoverable earlier version and compare representative cases. Record intentional behavior changes and regressions. A known version makes it possible to investigate later differences and choose whether to keep or reverse an update.
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Choose an extension
For a formatting event, a repeated reasoning procedure and an external-data need, choose a hook, skill or connection and explain the required dependencies.
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Design a reusable workflow
Turn a repeated toy task into a small skill and identify the separate tools it needs.