CLAUDE_REPL_MODE

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_REPL_MODE is a Claude Code environment variable: Sets the operating mode for the REPL interface. This likely controls behavior such as output format (JSON vs plain text), verbosity level, or whether the REPL maintains conversation state between invocations. Removed between v2.1.96 and v2.1.100, so current releases ignore it. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Removed between v2.1.96 and v2.1.100
Added	Present since v2.1.69 or earlier
Category	Other
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_REPL_MODE=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_PERFORCE_MODE: Activates Perforce VCS integration.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLAN_MODE_INTERVIEW_PHASE: Enable interview phase in plan mode.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLAN_MODE_REQUIRED: Require agents to use plan mode for all tasks.
CLAUDE_CODE_REPL: Boolean toggle for the new native REPL path introduced by v2.1.113's native-binary launcher.
CLAUDE_CODE_SAFE_MODE
CLAUDE_REPL_MODE0: Prototype naming for the REPL mode configuration.
CLAUDE_REPL_VARIANT: Selects which REPL implementation to load.
CLAUDE_CODE_ARTIFACT_REPL

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_REPL_MODE do?

Sets the operating mode for the REPL interface. This likely controls behavior such as output format (JSON vs plain text), verbosity level, or whether the REPL maintains conversation state between invocations.

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_REPL_MODE?

Removed between v2.1.96 and v2.1.100, so current releases ignore it.

How do I set CLAUDE_REPL_MODE?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_REPL_MODE=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.