{"version":"2.1.268","anchor":"new-env-var-claude-code-question-optional-descriptions-gate","canonical_anchor":"new-env-var-claude-code-question-optional-descriptions-gate","heading":"New CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_OPTIONAL_DESCRIPTIONS environment variable","tier":"use","area":"AskUserQuestion","scope":null,"heads_up":null,"url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.268\/e\/new-env-var-claude-code-question-optional-descriptions-gate","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.268","markdown":"### New CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_OPTIONAL_DESCRIPTIONS environment variable\n\nA new env var makes descriptions optional for AskUserQuestion options, limited to specific entry points or remote sessions\n\n**What**\n\nA new environment variable, `CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_OPTIONAL_DESCRIPTIONS`, makes the descriptions on AskUserQuestion-style options optional instead of required. It only takes effect when `CLAUDE_CODE_ENTRYPOINT` is one of a fixed set of values (`sdk-ts`, `sdk-py`, `sdk-cli`, `local-agent`, `claude-desktop`, `claude-desktop-3p`) or when the session is remote.\n\nThis new variable also acts as an alias for the existing extended-question behavior: setting either `CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_EXTENDED` or `CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_OPTIONAL_DESCRIPTIONS` now turns on that extended AskUserQuestion behavior.\n\n**Why**\n\nThis lets specific integrations (SDKs, local agents, Claude desktop, and remote sessions) skip writing option descriptions for AskUserQuestion prompts when they aren't needed, without affecting other entry points.\n\n- Area: AskUserQuestion\n- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_QUESTION_OPTIONAL_DESCRIPTIONS`\n- Tier: Use it now\n- Useful: 4\/5\n- Signal: 4\/5"}