CLAUDE_CODE_FORCE_GLOBAL_CACHE

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_FORCE_GLOBAL_CACHE is a Claude Code environment variable: Previously forced use of a global cache directory. Likely superseded by improved cache management that no longer needs a manual override. Removed between v2.1.87 and v2.1.88, so current releases ignore it. It is not in the official reference.

How to set it

For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:

export CLAUDE_CODE_FORCE_GLOBAL_CACHE=<value>
claude

To apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:

// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
  "env": {
    "CLAUDE_CODE_FORCE_GLOBAL_CACHE": "<value>"
  }
}

Release notes that mention it

• Claude Code v2.1.88 — 7 New Environment Variables: Mouse Control, REPL Mode, and Flicker-Free Rendering

Related variables

• CLAUDE_CODE_WEBFETCH_CACHE_TTL_MS
• BASH_MAX_OUTPUT_LENGTH: Max bash output character length.
• CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR: Maintain consistent working directory across commands.
• CLAUDE_BASH_NO_LOGIN: Replaced by CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX.
• CLAUDE_CODE_BASH_EDIT_DIFF
• CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ADVISOR_TOOL: Disables what appears to be an internal advisory tool.
• CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_BG_SHELL_PRESSURE_REAP
• CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_INLINE_SHELL_RM_PROMPT: Turns off the new prompt that catches a dangerous rm inside an inline bash -c or sh -c script.

Frequently asked questions

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.