{"version":"2.1.283","anchor":"plugin-dir-watch-selection-reworked","canonical_anchor":"plugin-dir-watch-selection-reworked","heading":"Plugin directory watching defaults on when CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH is unset","tier":"use","area":"Plugins","url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.283\/e\/plugin-dir-watch-selection-reworked","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.283","markdown":"### Plugin directory watching defaults on when CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH is unset\n\nWith CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH unset, Claude Code can now watch every local plugin directory not excluded; setting it to false turns watching off\n\n**Unclear.** The rule for which plugin folders are watched is not settled.\n\n**What**\n\nClaude Code can watch plugin folders loaded from your own disk and pick up edits to them. The rules for which folders it watches have changed:\n\n- When `CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH` is not set, watching now defaults to on unless an internal session condition applies. One finding describes this as default-on in interactive sessions.\n\n- In that default mode, every plugin folder that has not been explicitly excluded is watched, instead of only folders on an opt-in list.\n\n- A new selection step picks which plugin folders are watched.\n\n- Setting `CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH` to false turns watching off entirely.\n\nBefore, the watcher began with a single on\/off check and stopped straight away when the feature was off.\n\n**Why**\n\nIf you develop plugins from a local folder, your edits may now be picked up live without setting anything. If you do not want that, set `CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH` to false.\n\n- Area: Plugins\n- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH`\n- Tier: Use it now\n- Useful: 3\/5\n- Signal: 2\/5"}