---
url: /rules/hooks/hooks-missing-script.md
description: Hook scripts must reference existing files
---

# hooks-missing-script

## Rule Details

This rule checks that hook commands pointing to relative script paths (starting with ./ or ../) reference files that actually exist on disk. In project `.claude/settings.json` and `.claude/settings.local.json`, paths are checked relative to the project root; in other hook configuration files, paths are checked relative to the configuration directory. This is a static check: it cannot account for working-directory changes during a session. It skips validation for inline shell commands (containing spaces or shell operators), commands with variable expansions, and absolute paths or commands expected to be in PATH. A missing script will cause the hook to fail at runtime, breaking the intended automation workflow.

### Incorrect

Hook referencing a script that does not exist

```json
{
  "hooks": {
    "PreToolUse": [
      {
        "matcher": "*",
        "hooks": [{ "type": "command", "command": "./scripts/missing.sh" }]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

### Correct

Hook referencing an existing script file

```json
{
  "hooks": {
    "PreToolUse": [
      {
        "matcher": "*",
        "hooks": [{ "type": "command", "command": "./scripts/lint.sh" }]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

## How To Fix

Verify the script path is correct and the file exists. Create the missing script file if needed, or update the command to point to the correct location.

## Options

This rule does not have any configuration options.

## Related Rules

* [`hooks-invalid-event`](/rules/hooks/hooks-invalid-event)

## Resources

* [Rule Implementation](https://github.com/pdugan20/claudelint/blob/main/src/rules/hooks/hooks-missing-script.ts)
* [Rule Tests](https://github.com/pdugan20/claudelint/blob/main/tests/rules/hooks/hooks-missing-script.test.ts)

## Version

Available since: v0.2.0