claude-code-mechanism-selector

name	claude-code-mechanism-selector
description	Helps choose the right Claude Code extension mechanism (slash commands, skills, subagents, or hooks) for a given use case. Use when discussing how to extend Claude Code, automate workflows, or implement custom functionality.

Claude Code Mechanism Selector

This skill helps you choose the right extension mechanism for Claude Code based on your requirements.

Quick Decision Guide

Ask these questions to determine the best mechanism:

1. Does it need to run deterministically (guaranteed, not AI-decided)?

• YES → Use Hooks (shell commands at lifecycle events)
• NO → Continue to question 2

2. Does it need a separate context window or specialized AI behavior?

• YES → Use Subagents (isolated context, custom system prompts)
• NO → Continue to question 3

3. Should it activate automatically based on context?

• YES → Use Skills (model-invoked, automatic discovery)
• NO → Use Slash Commands (user-invoked with /command)

Comparison Matrix

Criteria	Slash Commands	Skills	Subagents	Hooks
Invocation	User (/cmd)	Automatic	Automatic or explicit	System events
Complexity	Single file	Multi-file	Separate context	Shell commands