# How to Install Ponytail for Claude Code: A Step-by-Step Guide > Easily install Ponytail for Claude Code with our step-by-step guide. Follow simple commands to integrate this powerful plugin into your workflow and enhance your coding experience. - Repository: [DietrichGebert/ponytail](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-09-09 --- **To install Ponytail for Claude Code, execute `/plugin marketplace add DietrichGebert/ponytail` followed by `/plugin install ponytail@ponytail` in your Claude Code prompt; the plugin automatically loads its lifecycle hooks and requires no additional configuration.** Ponytail integrates with Claude Code as a plugin that injects contextual rulesets into every LLM turn. According to the DietrichGebert/ponytail repository, the installation process leverages Claude Code's native plugin marketplace to register and activate the tool's session management hooks. ## Installation Steps Installing Ponytail requires two sequential commands in the Claude Code interface. These commands register the plugin source and instantiate the runtime components. ### Add the Plugin to Your Marketplace First, register the Ponytail repository with Claude Code's plugin marketplace: ```text /plugin marketplace add DietrichGebert/ponytail ``` This command tells Claude Code where to locate the plugin's manifest and source files. As documented in the repository's [`README.md`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/README.md), this step is required before the plugin can be instantiated in your environment. ### Install the Plugin Next, install the plugin using the marketplace identifier: ```text /plugin install ponytail@ponytail ``` The `@ponytail` suffix selects the latest version from the registered repository. According to the source code, this command pulls the plugin code into your Claude Code environment and registers the Ponytail skill set, making the `/ponytail` command available immediately. ### Verify the Installation After executing both commands, verify that Ponytail is active by checking for the `/ponytail` command in your interface. The command should appear in the **+** button → **Plugins** menu, or you can type `/ponytail` directly in the prompt box. The plugin's lifecycle hooks—including [`ponytail-activate.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/ponytail-activate.js) and [`ponytail-mode-tracker.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/ponytail-mode-tracker.js)—activate automatically, injecting the Ponytail ruleset on every subsequent LLM turn without manual intervention. ## Plugin Architecture and Key Files Understanding the underlying files confirms that installation establishes several critical components: - **[`hooks/ponytail-activate.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-activate.js)**: The SessionStart hook that auto-activates Ponytail when Claude Code initializes a new session. - **[`hooks/ponytail-mode-tracker.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-mode-tracker.js)**: Tracks the current Ponytail mode and injects contextual rules on every prompt. - **[`hooks/ponytail-config.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-config.js)**: Reads optional environment variables such as `PONYTAIL_DEFAULT_MODE` to customize behavior. - **[`skills/ponytail-help/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/skills/ponytail-help/SKILL.md)**: Defines the documentation and structure for the `/ponytail` commands visible in the Claude Code UI. These files work together to ensure that once installed, Ponytail operates transparently within your Claude Code workflow. ## Optional Configuration While **no additional configuration is required** for basic operation, you can customize Ponytail's default behavior by setting environment variables before starting Claude Code. The [`hooks/ponytail-config.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-config.js) file reads `PONYTAIL_DEFAULT_MODE` to establish a persistent mode across sessions, though this step remains entirely optional. ## Summary - **Installation requires two commands**: `/plugin marketplace add DietrichGebert/ponytail` followed by `/plugin install ponytail@ponytail`. - **Automatic activation**: The [`hooks/ponytail-activate.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-activate.js) file ensures Ponytail loads immediately upon session start. - **Zero configuration**: The plugin works out-of-the-box, with optional customization via `PONYTAIL_DEFAULT_MODE`. - **Command availability**: After installation, `/ponytail` commands are accessible through the UI or direct text input. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is post-installation configuration required to use Ponytail? No. According to the DietrichGebert/ponytail source code, the plugin operates immediately after installation without requiring configuration files or manual setup. The lifecycle hooks in [`hooks/ponytail-activate.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-activate.js) handle activation automatically. ### Which files handle the automatic activation of Ponytail? The [`hooks/ponytail-activate.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-activate.js) file contains the SessionStart hook that triggers when Claude Code initializes, while [`hooks/ponytail-mode-tracker.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-mode-tracker.js) maintains state across prompts. These scripts reside in the `hooks/` directory and execute automatically after you run the installation commands. ### How can I set a default mode for Ponytail sessions? Set the `PONYTAIL_DEFAULT_MODE` environment variable before launching Claude Code. The [`hooks/ponytail-config.js`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/hooks/ponytail-config.js) file reads this variable during initialization to establish your preferred mode across all sessions, though this remains entirely optional. ### Where are the Ponytail slash commands documented? Command documentation lives in [`skills/ponytail-help/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/DietrichGebert/ponytail/blob/main/skills/ponytail-help/SKILL.md) within the repository. This file defines the `/ponytail` command structure and help text displayed in the Claude Code UI after installation.