Skill, MCP, Plugin, or just a CLI: how I pick a Claude Code extension, lightest first

The increasing complexity of modern development tools has led to a proliferation of extensions and plugins, making it challenging for developers to find the right fit. This trend highlights the need for developers to be more discerning and intentional in their tool selection, as inefficient or bloated add-ons can slow down entire workflows. By prioritizing lightweight options, developers can maintain agility and focus on core tasks.

The implications of this approach extend beyond Claude Code to other development tools and ecosystems. As the number of available extensions continues to grow, developers will need to adopt more strategic approaches to tool selection, weighing the benefits of specific features against the potential performance costs. This shift may also lead to the emergence of new tools and platforms that cater to the needs of developers seeking streamlined, efficient workflows.