Claude Code hook scripts on macOS face silent failures due to Z shell, PATH, and missing timeout command

A technical guide details three common pitfalls encountered when developing hook scripts for Claude Code on macOS. The first trap involves the `status` variable in Z shell, which is a read-only special variable and cannot be reassigned, leading to silent failures. The second issue arises because hooks launched from the GUI have a minimal PATH, causing commands like `node` from Nvm or Homebrew to be unrecognized. The third trap highlights that macOS does not include the GNU `timeout` command by default, causing scripts that rely on it to run without time limits. AI

IMPACT Provides technical guidance for developers using AI tools like Claude Code, addressing common scripting issues.

RANK_REASON Technical guide on using a specific tool (Claude Code) with common pitfalls.

Read on dev.to — Claude Code tag →

• Bash
• Claude Code
• Homebrew
• macOS
• note-autolike
• Nvm Version Manager
• Z shell

• product
• other

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