Support hot-reload for plugins without session restart
Status Closed — not planned
Maintainer reply None cached
Workaround ✓ Mentioned in description ↑
Activity 2 comments · opened Jan 14, 2026 · closed Feb 28, 2026
Problem
Currently, plugins are only loaded at session startup. After installing a new plugin via /plugin install, users must restart their Claude Code session for the plugin to take effect. This creates friction, especially for:
- Testing plugins during development
- Installing plugins mid-session without losing context
- Quick iteration on hook configurations
Proposed Solution
Add the ability to reload plugins without restarting the session:
- A
/plugin reloadcommand to refresh all plugins - Or automatic activation after
/plugin install - Or a
/hooks reloadcommand to refresh hook configurations
Use Case
I created a notification plugin that plays a sound when Claude is waiting for input. After installing it, I had to restart my session to hear the notification - losing my conversation context.
Alternatives Considered
- Restarting the session (current workaround, loses context)
- Pre-installing plugins before starting work
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