Automating Claude Code Instruction Optimization with Hooks

Description

Tara Schofield demonstrates how to use Claude Code hooks to automatically optimize verbose instruction files for agents and slash commands. Learn how to set up post-tool-use hooks that trigger specialized optimizer agents, prevent infinite loops with cooldown mechanisms, and maintain token efficiency without manual intervention. In this episode, we explore: • Configuring Claude Code hooks to match specific tool uses • Automatically linting and optimizing markdown instruction files • Preventing infinite loops with archive directories and cooldown periods • Using markdown files for simple state management • Live demonstration of the complete optimization workflow This automation solves the frustrating problem of Claude creating overly verbose agent instructions by having it automatically "lint itself" after creating or editing instruction files. 0:00 Introduction to Claude Code hooks problem 0:59 The problem with verbose instruction files 2:11 Overview of hook configuration and matchers 2:45 Post-tool-use hook for Write and Edit tools 3:39 Markdown file detection and script execution 4:23 Specialized optimizer agents for different file types 6:07 Infinite loop risks with hooks 7:32 Archive directory and cooldown period solution 8:36 Using markdown files for state management 9:16 Benefits of maintaining multiple versions 10:00 Live demo of hook optimization in action 10:19 Results and optimization report #ClaudeCode #AI #Automation #DeveloperTools #Hooks #AIAgents #Workflow #ClaudeAI #CodingAssistant #DevTools #AIToolsLab #MachineLearning #LLM #DeveloperProductivity #CodeOptimization