AI dictionary

Agent Hook

A script, request, prompt, or subagent triggered by an event in an agent's lifecycle.

Plain English

A hook lets the environment react when the agent starts, calls a tool, changes files, compacts context, or finishes.

Example

A `PreToolUse` hook blocks destructive database commands before the agent can run them.

Why it matters

Hooks turn agent platforms into programmable runtimes with enforceable local policy.