Claude Code hooks can prevent agent mistakes — here is how to set them up

Claude Code supports shell-based hooks that intercept every tool call and can block, log, or redirect the AI agent's actions before damage is done. A developer shared lessons from building a 10-hook safety setup, covering protections like blocking force-pushes to main, preventing secret leaks, and stopping the agent from declaring a task complete when tests are still failing. Key mechanics include using exit code 2 or a JSON decision object to block actions and feed explanatory feedback directly back to the model. The author recommends writing hooks that fail open, match commands narrowly to avoid false positives, and include a simple environment-variable override for emergencies. The full 10-hook set has been packaged as a paid tool called repo-armor, though the article also explains the underlying mechanics for developers who prefer to build their own.