| name | implement-claude-extensions |
| description | Choose and implement the right Claude extension type by comparing hooks, skills, sub-agents, agent teams, and plugin packaging patterns. |
Implement Claude Extensions
Use this umbrella skill to choose the correct extension type and route implementation to the appropriate component skill.
Core Principle: Start simple. Use the decision framework to score task complexity (0-10) and match to the simplest component type that meets requirements.
Complexity-Based Selection
| Score | Component Type | When to Use |
|---|
| 1-3 | Simple Skill | Single deterministic task, no branching logic |
| 4-6 | Workflow Skill | Multi-step with some conditional logic |
| 7-8 | Sub-Agent | Model-driven decisions, flexible approach needed |
| 9-10 | Agent Team | Multiple specialized domains, complex coordination |
See references/decision-framework.md for detailed scoring guide.
Comparison
| Extension Type | Best For | Primary Artifacts | Component Skill |
|---|
| Hooks | Event-driven automation/guardrails | hooks/hooks.json, hook scripts | ../implement-hooks/SKILL.md |
| Agent Skills | Reusable task playbooks | skills/<name>/SKILL.md | ../implement-agent-skills/SKILL.md |
| Sub-Agents | Specialized delegated roles | agents/*.md | ../implement-sub-agents/SKILL.md |
| Agent Teams | Coordinated multi-agent execution | team config + coordination docs | ../implement-agent-teams/SKILL.md |
| Plugins | Packaging/distribution + wiring | .claude-plugin/plugin.json | ../implement-plugin/SKILL.md |
Workflow
- Assess complexity: Score task complexity using decision framework (0-10)
- Start simple: Choose simplest component type that meets requirements
- Validate choice: Ask "Can this be done more simply?"
- Identify constraints: Determine specific requirements and boundaries
- Plan evaluations: Define 20-50 test cases for validation
- Route implementation: Hand off to appropriate component skill
- Apply lifecycle checks: Follow design → implement → evaluate → verify
Progressive Disclosure
Best Practices (Anthropic Guidelines)
- START HERE - Complexity scoring & decision framework:
references/decision-framework.md
- Context management patterns:
references/context-management.md
- Evaluation strategy:
references/evaluation-strategy.md
Component Selection
- Extension comparison details:
references/extension-types.md
- Decision guide:
references/when-to-use.md
- Cross-component patterns:
references/cross-component-patterns.md
- Lifecycle from design to verification:
references/extension-lifecycle.md
Component Skills
../implement-hooks/SKILL.md../implement-agent-skills/SKILL.md../implement-sub-agents/SKILL.md../implement-agent-teams/SKILL.md../implement-plugin/SKILL.md
Sources
