What: Claude Code can now automatically exit after a configured period of inactivity.
How to use:
# Set idle timeout to 60 seconds (60000 milliseconds)
export CLAUDE_CODE_EXIT_AFTER_STOP_DELAY=60000
claude
# Claude Code will now exit automatically after 60 seconds of no activityDetails:
- Disabled by default - only activates when
CLAUDE_CODE_EXIT_AFTER_STOP_DELAYenvironment variable is set - Value is in milliseconds (e.g., 60000 = 60 seconds)
- Timer resets whenever Claude Code processes a command
- Useful for automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, or managing long-running sessions
- Evidence:
XA9() at line 488655, exit message at line 488668
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Anthropic's release notes agree
Added CLAUDE_CODE_EXIT_AFTER_STOP_DELAY environment variable to automatically exit SDK mode after a specified idle duration, useful for…