Hex Claude Code Plugin Consults Multiple AI Agents

What changed

The claude-council plugin for Claude Code enables users to query multiple AI coding agents in parallel, presenting their answers side-by-side. This tool is designed to assist with complex coding decisions where cross-checking is beneficial, such as architecture choices, debugging difficult issues, performing security reviews, or selecting appropriate frameworks. The plugin displays responses from each configured provider, clearly labeling the source and response time. A synthesis section highlights areas of agreement and divergence among the AI agents, noting the underlying assumptions when consensus is reached.

Installation is straightforward via the Claude Code plugin marketplace by adding the hex/claude-marketplace and then installing claude-council. Alternatively, manual installation from a local clone is possible for development purposes. Configuration requires setting API keys for desired providers (OpenAI, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, Kimi) or ensuring their respective CLIs are installed and authenticated. The plugin supports querying specific providers, including those routed through OpenRouter, and can even integrate local Ollama models.

Key features include support for Gemini, OpenAI (GPT/Codex), Grok, Perplexity, and Kimi. It offers specialized roles for agents (e.g., security, performance, maintainability) and presets like 'balanced' or 'security-focused' to tailor the analysis. Users can include specific files or screenshots in their queries. For long-running tasks, asynchronous execution is supported, with results retrievable later. An optional 'stop-gate' feature allows a second model to review code before finalization. The plugin also features an extensible provider system and can be invoked by Claude itself when configured with CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_FUNCTION_HOOKS=1.

Slash commands facilitate usage, such as /claude-council:ask "[your question]" for general queries, or specifying providers with --providers=gemini,openai. File context can be added using --file=src/auth.ts, and images via --image=shot.png. For a concise output, the --quiet flag can be used. The /claude-council:status command verifies connectivity and configured models.

Why it matters for builders

This plugin empowers developers by providing a consolidated view of AI-generated solutions from multiple sources. Instead of relying on a single AI's output, builders can now compare and contrast different approaches, leading to more robust and well-considered decisions. The ability to assign specialized roles to agents further refines the analysis, ensuring that critical aspects like security and performance are thoroughly examined from various angles.

Practical impact

Developers can integrate claude-council into their workflow to get diverse AI opinions on code snippets, architectural designs, or debugging challenges. By using commands like /claude-council:ask --roles=security,performance "Review this code", builders can proactively identify potential issues and explore alternative solutions. The side-by-side comparison and synthesis features streamline the process of evaluating different AI recommendations, saving time and improving code quality.

Caveats and source limits

The source material describes the functionality and installation of the claude-council plugin but does not provide specific benchmark results comparing its performance or accuracy against other tools. Information regarding pricing for the underlying AI models is not included, as it depends on the user's configuration of those services. The plugin is described as a 'fresh release' with specific GitHub metrics (498 stars, 62 forks), indicating community interest but not necessarily widespread adoption or long-term stability. Some advanced features, like 'Specialists', are marked as experimental.