CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX is a Claude Code environment variable: Prefix command for shell execution. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is listed in the official reference.

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

• 165 Environment Variables in Claude Code 2.1.69 — What Changed in 50 Versions

Related variables

• 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.
• CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_WINDOWS_SHELL_LAUNCHER
• CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL: Override shell for Bash tool (must be bash or zsh).
• CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_LAUNCHER_SCRIPT
• CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIXI50
• BASH_MAX_OUTPUT_LENGTH: Max bash output character length.
• CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR: Maintain consistent working directory across commands.

Frequently asked questions

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.