claudekit / guides / first-plugin
[ Guide · Beginner · 8 min ]

Installing Your First Plugin

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A step-by-step walkthrough for installing your first Claude Code plugin. Find one in the marketplace, install it, and confirm how to use it afterward.

What is a plugin?

A Claude Code plugin is an extension package that bundles slash commands, agents, hooks, and skills. Install one from a marketplace and the bundled capabilities all become available at once.

Two marketplace types

1. Default marketplace

anthropics/claude-plugins-official is preregistered with Claude Code, so plugins from it install directly:

/plugin install superpowers

2. Third-party marketplace

For other marketplaces, add them first:

/plugin marketplace add forrestchang/andrej-karpathy-skills
/plugin install andrej-karpathy-skills@karpathy-skills

The marketplace short name (@karpathy-skills) is set in the marketplace definition.

Verify installed plugins

/plugin

Shows installed plugins and their enabled/disabled state.

First plugin — install Superpowers

/plugin install superpowers

After installation, these slash commands become available:

  • /brainstorm — explore ideas and requirements
  • /write-plan — generate an implementation plan document
  • /execute-plan — execute a plan step by step
  • Plus auto-applied workflows for TDD, systematic debugging, and more

Second pick — Commit Commands

/plugin install commit-commands

Automates the commit, push, and PR creation workflow as one slash command.

Manage plugins

/plugin                       # list and inspect
/plugin install <name>        # install
/plugin uninstall <name>      # remove
/plugin update <name>         # update

Tip: vet your marketplaces

Plugins can change Claude’s behavior, so check the source.

  • Official: anthropics/claude-plugins-official, anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins
  • Verified partners: look for “Anthropic Verified” on claude.com/plugins
  • Other third-party: read the README and source before installing

Next steps

§ 9

Frequently Asked Questions

frequently asked
§ 9.1
What is a plugin?
A package that bundles slash commands, agents, hooks, and skills to extend Claude Code's behavior. Install one from a marketplace and the related capabilities all activate at once.
§ 9.2
Where do I find plugins?
Officially listed plugins are searchable at https://claude.com/plugins. Third-party marketplaces hosted on GitHub can be added directly and installed from.
§ 9.3
How do I install one?
Plugins from the default marketplace install with `/plugin install <name>`. For a third-party marketplace, run `/plugin marketplace add <owner/repo>` first, then `/plugin install <name>@<marketplace>`.
§ 9.4
How do I use a plugin after installing?
Its slash commands and skills become available immediately. Run `/help` or `/plugin` to see installed plugins and the commands they expose.
§ 9.5
Which plugins should I install first?
Superpowers (brainstorming, TDD, systematic debugging) and Commit Commands (git automation). Both deliver immediate value and fit common dev workflows.