CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE is a Claude Code environment variable: Use zip-based caching instead of git. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.294
Added	Present since v2.1.69 or earlier
Category	Plugins and skills
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_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_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE": "<value>"
  }
}

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR: Local cache directory for downloaded plugins.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_BACKGROUND_PLUGIN_REFRESH: Enables automatic background plugin refresh when the runtime detects updates are needed.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIRS
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_KEEP_MARKETPLACE_ON_FAILURE: Preserves the local marketplace plugin cache when git pull fails.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_PREFER_HTTPS: Force HTTPS for plugin source resolution.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_SEED_DIR: Seed directory for pre-installed plugins.
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGIN_INSTALL: Install plugins synchronously (block until done).

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE do?

Use zip-based caching instead of git

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE?

Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE=value), or add it to the "env" object in ~/.claude/settings.json to apply it to every session.

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.