About plugin-forge
plugin-forge is a skill for creating and maintaining Claude Code plugins and marketplace entries. It combines scaffolding and versioning scripts with structure references and testing and publishing workflows.
Key features
- 01Generate plugin structure and manifests
- 02Register entries in marketplace.json
- 03Bump manifest versions
- 04Document components and directory patterns
- 05Guide local testing and publishing
Use cases
- 01Create a new marketplace plugin
- 02Add commands, skills, agents, or hooks
- 03Update a plugin release version
MCP support
The skill documents how to configure MCP servers in a plugin through `.mcp.json`.
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/ / github.com/ davila7/ claude-code-templates --skill plugin-forgeAfter installing, type/plugin-forgein Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Bundled files
References and scripts installed along with SKILL.md.
README.mdreferences/marketplace-schema.mdplugin-structure.mdworkflows.mdscripts/bump_version.pycreate_plugin.pyDetails
From the project READMECC Plugin Forge
Purpose
Build and manage Claude Code plugins with correct structure, manifests, and marketplace integration. Includes workflows, automation scripts, and reference docs.
When to Use
- Creating new plugins for a marketplace
- Adding/modifying plugin components (commands, skills, agents, hooks)
- Updating plugin versions
- Working with plugin or marketplace manifests
- Setting up local plugin testing
- Publishing plugins
Getting Started
Create New Plugin
Use create_plugin.py to generate plugin structure:
python scripts/create_plugin.py plugin-name \
--marketplace-root /path/to/marketplace \
--author-name "Your Name" \
--author-email "[email protected]" \
--description "Plugin description" \
--keywords "keyword1,keyword2" \
--category "productivity"
This automatically:
- Creates plugin directory structure
- Generates
plugin.jsonmanifest - Creates README template
- Updates
marketplace.json
Bump Version
Use bump_version.py to update versions in both manifests:
python scripts/bump_version.py plugin-name major|minor|patch \
--marketplace-root /path/to/marketplace
Semantic versioning:
- major: Breaking changes (1.0.0 → 2.0.0)
- minor: New features, refactoring (1.0.0 → 1.1.0)
- patch: Bug fixes, docs (1.0.0 → 1.0.1)
Development Workflow
1. Create Structure
Manual approach (if not using script):
mkdir -p plugins/plugin-name/.claude-plugin
mkdir -p plugins/plugin-name/commands
mkdir -p plugins/plugin-name/skills
2. Plugin Manifest
File: plugins/plugin-name/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
{
"name": "plugin-name",
"version": "0.1.0",
"description": "Plugin description",
"author": {
"name": "Your Name",
"email": "[email protected]"
},
"keywords": ["keyword1", "keyword2"]
}
3. Register in Marketplace
Update .claude-plugin/marketplace.json:
{
"name": "plugin-name",
"source": "./plugins/plugin-name",
"description": "Plugin description",
"version": "0.1.0",
"keywords": ["keyword1", "keyword2"],
"category": "productivity"
}
4. Add Components
Create in respective directories:
| Component | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Commands | commands/ | Markdown with frontmatter |
| Skills | skills/<name>/ | Directory with SKILL.md |
| Agents | agents/ | Markdown definitions |
| Hooks | hooks/hooks.json | Event handlers |
| MCP Servers | .mcp.json | External integrations |
5. Local Testing
# Add marketplace
/plugin marketplace add /path/to/marketplace-root
# Install plugin
/plugin install plugin-name@marketplace-name
# After changes: reinstall
/plugin uninstall plugin-name@marketplace-name
/plugin install plugin-name@marketplace-name
Plugin Patterns
Framework Plugin
For framework-specific guidance (React, Vue, etc.):
plugins/framework-name/
├── .claude-plugin/plugin.json
├── skills/
│ └── framework-name/
│ ├── SKILL.md
│ └── references/
├── commands/
│ └── prime/
│ ├── components.md
│ └── framework.md
└── README.md
Utility Plugin
For tools and commands:
plugins/utility-name/
├── .claude-plugin/plugin.json
├── commands/
│ ├── action1.md
│ └── action2.md
└── README.md
Domain Plugin
For domain-specific knowledge:
plugins/domain-name/
├── .claude-plugin/plugin.json
├── skills/
│ └── domain-name/
│ ├── SKILL.md
│ ├── references/
│ └── scripts/
└── README.md
Command Naming
Subdirectory-based namespacing with : separator:
commands/namespace/command.md→/namespace:commandcommands/simple.md→/simple
Examples:
commands/prime/vue.md→/prime:vuecommands/docs/generate.md→/docs:generate
Version Management
Important: Update version in BOTH locations:
plugins/<name>/.claude-plugin/plugin.json.claude-plugin/marketplace.json
Use bump_version.py to automate.
Git Commits
Use conventional commits:
git commit -m "feat: add new plugin"
git commit -m "fix: correct plugin manifest"
git commit -m "docs: update plugin README"
git commit -m "feat!: breaking change"
Reference Docs
Detailed documentation included:
| Reference | Content |
|---|---|
references/plugin-structure.md | Directory structure, manifest schema, components |
references/marketplace-schema.md | Marketplace format, plugin entries, distribution |
references/workflows.md | Step-by-step workflows, patterns, publishing |
Scripts
| Script | Purpose |
|---|---|
scripts/create_plugin.py | Scaffold new plugin |
scripts/bump_version.py | Update versions |