[DOCS] Contradictory information regarding `plugin.json` requirement between Reference and Marketplace docs

Documentation Type

Unclear/confusing documentation

Documentation Location

• https://code.claude.com/docs/en/plugins-reference - https://code.claude.com/docs/en/plugin-marketplaces

Section/Topic

The "File locations reference" table in the Plugins reference page needs to be reconciled with the "strict" parameter description in the Plugin marketplaces page.

Current Documentation

In Plugins reference > Plugin directory structure > File locations reference:

Manifest | .claude-plugin/plugin.json | Required metadata file

However, in Plugin marketplaces > Marketplace schema > Optional plugin fields:

strict | boolean | ... When false, the plugin doesn't need its own plugin.json; the marketplace entry itself defines everything about the plugin.

What's Wrong or Missing?

The Plugins reference documentation explicitly states that .claude-plugin/plugin.json is a "Required metadata file." This contradicts the Plugin marketplaces documentation, which introduces a valid use case (strict: false) where the manifest file is not required because the configuration is handled entirely within the marketplace entry.

A developer relying solely on the Reference guide might believe they must create a directory structure with a manifest file even for simple plugins defined purely in a marketplace JSON, leading to confusion.

Suggested Improvement

Update the "File locations reference" table in plugins-reference.md to clarify the conditionality of the manifest file.

Current:
| Component | Default Location | Purpose |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Manifest | .claude-plugin/plugin.json | Required metadata file |

Suggested:
| Component | Default Location | Purpose |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Manifest | .claude-plugin/plugin.json | Required metadata file (optional if defined via strict: false in marketplace entry) |

Impact

High - Prevents users from using a feature

Additional Context

• Severity: Minor
• This distinction is important for developers creating "lightweight" plugins that are distributed purely via a marketplace file without a backing repository or complex file structure.