{"version":"2.1.302","anchor":"desktop-skills-plugin-dir-env-var-read-then-stripped-from-c","canonical_anchor":"desktop-skills-plugin-dir-env-var-read-then-stripped-from-c","heading":"Desktop app can point Claude Code at a skills plugin folder","tier":"use","area":"Skills","scope":"individual","heads_up":false,"url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.302\/e\/desktop-skills-plugin-dir-env-var-read-then-stripped-from-c","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.302","markdown":"### Desktop app can point Claude Code at a skills plugin folder\n\nClaude Code reads `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_SKILLS_PLUGIN_DIR` at startup and does not pass it on to programs it starts\n\n**Unclear.** It is not stated what condition must hold for the folder to be kept, or what Claude Code then does with it.\n\n**What**\n\nAn environment variable is a named value set outside a program that the program can read. Claude Code now reads `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_SKILLS_PLUGIN_DIR` when it starts. It keeps the folder named there only when a further check passes.\n\nEither way, it then removes the variable from its environment, and it does not pass it on to any program it starts.\n\n**Why**\n\nThe variable appears meant for the Claude Desktop app to tell Claude Code where a skills plugin folder is. Most people will not set it themselves.\n\n- Area: Skills\n- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_SKILLS_PLUGIN_DIR`\n- Tier: Use it now\n- Useful: 4\/5\n- Signal: 4\/5\n- Scope: individual\n- Heads-up: no"}