CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE Mode Improvements / Claude Code v2.1.50

What

Enhanced behavior for CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE environment variable.

Details

Disables attachments when CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE is set
Skips memory file loading for simplified operation
Adds CWD and Date to system prompt in simple mode

Evidence

Simple mode checks (search for "CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE")

Strings lifted out of the shipped bundle, so the claim above can be checked against them.

How sure we are

One source agreesOne thing we can check says the same as this entry.

Anthropic's release notes agreeFixed CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE to fully strip down skills, session memory, custom agents, and CLAUDE.md token counting

See this entry in the whole of v2.1.50 →

The build it came inv2.1.50

20 Feb 2026 · 14 entries, this one is #12.

Either side of it

v2.1.49Older
v2.1.51Newer

Open the release →

Names in this entry

envCLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE
When a coordinator agent cannot use a tool, Claude is told to run it from a worker.

Anthropic's notes

Upstream's own release notes for v2.1.50 name something this entry names, so the two are probably about the same change. Probably: the pairing is made on a shared name rather than on the words around it.

Fixed CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE to fully strip down skills, session memory, custom agents, and CLAUDE.md token counting
CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE mode now also disables MCP tools, attachments, hooks, and CLAUDE.md file loading for a fully minimal experience.

Is this right?