Claude Code Mods: Custom Hooks to Fix My Biggest AI Coding Frustrations

Custom functions called "mods" can be built to run inside Anthropic's Claude Code to address common coding frustrations. The author developed four specific mods: secret-guard to prevent API key exposure, plan-meter to visualize project progress, done-gate to warn about untested tasks, and context-meter to monitor context window usage. These mods operate with significantly less overhead than traditional hooks because they run within the AI's own process, allowing for efficient, persistent rule enforcement. The process for creating, testing, and implementing a simple mod is detailed, showcasing a practical way to customize and enhance the behavior of an AI coding assistant.