CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL
Updated by Alex Sorokoletov
CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL is a Claude Code environment variable: Override shell for Bash tool (must be bash or zsh). Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is listed in the official reference.
| Status | Present in v2.1.294 |
|---|---|
| Added | Present since v2.1.69 or earlier |
| Category | Shell and tools |
| Official docs | Listed |
How to set it
For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:
export CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL=<value>
claudeTo apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL": "<value>"
}
}Release notes that mention it
Related variables
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_BG_SHELL_PRESSURE_REAPCLAUDE_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.CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_WINDOWS_SHELL_LAUNCHERCLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX: Prefix command for shell execution.CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_LAUNCHER_SCRIPTCLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIXI50BASH_MAX_OUTPUT_LENGTH: Max bash output character length.CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR: Maintain consistent working directory across commands.
Frequently asked questions
What does CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL do?
Override shell for Bash tool (must be bash or zsh)
Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL?
Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.
How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL?
Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL=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.