Claude Code 2.1.316 adds subagent effort variable
11/01/2026 — 11/01, 15:17·1 sources (all)·1 reports (all)
Key takeaways
- Claude Code 2.1.316 introduces the CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_EFFORT environment variable, which sets a default effort level for subagents instead…
Background & analysis
Claude Code 2.1.316 shipped on October 31 with a new CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_EFFORT environment variable, according to an article published on DEV Community. When no other setting specifies otherwise, a subagent now runs at the effort level this variable defines instead of inheriting the effort level of the main session by default. The author describes it as a small switch with a large effect on the cost of multi-agent coding: a main session running xhigh for planning tends to spawn search, code-reading, and test-running subagents that would be better served by medium or even low effort.
The article lays out the full precedence order for effort: environment variable, then in-session selection, then startup arguments, then settings files, and finally the model default. It also explains how to write subagent frontmatter and proposes a layered setup in which the main session stays at high effort, subtasks run low, and review stages are raised separately. The material available for this event consists of this single report.
AI-generated from 1 reports · updated 3 hours ago
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Claude Code 2.1.316 adds CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_EFFORT, so subagents use that level when no other setting overrides it instead of inheriting the main session's effort. The article explains the precedence order and proposes a tiered setup: high effort for planning, low or medium for search and test subagents, and a separate higher level for review.
DEV Community · AIAI score 57
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