Explanatory Output Style Plugin: Learn While Claude Codes
Anthropic's explanatory-output-style plugin restores the old Explanatory style via a SessionStart hook, so Claude adds short Insight notes as it codes.
By Claudekit Team Published 1 min read
- Type
- Plugin
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Repository
- github.com
- Website
- github.com
explanatory-output-style is an Anthropic plugin that recreates Claude Code’s deprecated Explanatory output style. A SessionStart hook adds instructions to every session so Claude explains implementation choices and codebase patterns in short “Insight” blocks before and after it writes code.
Checked 24 Oct 2026 against the plugin’s README, hook script and marketplace.json.
Who it is for
Developers learning a new codebase or language who want Claude to teach as it works, not just hand over finished code.
Install
/plugin install explanatory-output-style@claude-plugins-officialIt activates automatically at the next session start.
What it does
- Injects context at session start telling Claude to balance task completion with education.
- Insights appear in the conversation, not in your code, formatted as a
★ Insightblock with 2 to 3 points. - Focuses on choices specific to your codebase rather than general programming concepts.
Use cases
- Onboarding onto an unfamiliar repo.
- Pair-programming style sessions where you want the reasoning.
- Replacing an old
"outputStyle": "Explanatory"setting.
Pros
- Zero configuration.
- A tiny, readable example of the SessionStart hook pattern.
- Easy to disable when you just want output.
Cons and caveats
- Extra tokens on every session, by design.
- Applies to all sessions while enabled; turn it off for routine work.
- For non-coding personas, the README suggests subagents instead.
Links
- Plugin folder: plugins/explanatory-output-style
- Related: hooks guide, CLAUDE.md guide, Claude Plugins Official
Frequently asked questions
Why is this a plugin instead of a setting?
The README says the plugin replaces the deprecated Explanatory output style setting. Installing it gives the same behavior through a SessionStart hook.
Does it cost more tokens?
Yes. The README warns not to install it unless you accept the token cost of its extra instructions and output.
Do I need to configure anything?
No. Once installed it activates at the start of every session. Disable the plugin to turn it off while keeping it installed.