Summary

This project provides a Simplified Chinese localization plugin for the Claude Code terminal AI programming assistant. It targets users who prefer a Chinese interface, enabling all AI responses, UI elements, and terminal prompts to be displayed in Chinese, enhancing usability for non-English speakers.

How It Works

The plugin employs a four-layer architecture to achieve comprehensive localization. Layers 1-3 (Built-in Settings, Hook System, Plugin System) provide stable, persistent translations for AI responses, notifications, and output styles, unaffected by Claude Code updates. Layer 4 (CLI Patch) dynamically scans and replaces hardcoded UI strings within the Claude Code executable (cli.js or native binaries), ensuring a fully translated interface. This layer automatically re-patches upon Claude Code updates within supported version windows.

Quick Start & Requirements

Installation is streamlined via a one-line remote script: curl -fsSL https://github.com/taekchef/claude-code-zh-cn/releases/latest/download/install-remote.sh | bash. For Windows, a PowerShell script install.ps1 is available. Prerequisites include Node.js for the patching mechanism. For experimental native binary patching on macOS and Windows, the node-lief package is required (npm install -g node-lief). Users can consult ./docs/support-matrix.md for detailed version compatibility.

Highlighted Details

• Translates 187 unique "fun" spinner verbs and 41 spinner tips into Chinese.
• Localizes approximately 1698 UI strings across various Claude Code components.
• Features automatic re-patching upon Claude Code updates to maintain localization.
• Supports automatic plugin updates by tracking official GitHub releases.
• Offers compatibility across macOS, Linux, and Windows (via PowerShell or WSL).

Maintenance & Community

The project appears actively maintained, with regular releases and version tracking. While specific community channels like Discord or Slack are not listed, the repository welcomes contributions via Pull Requests and Issues.

Licensing & Compatibility

The project is released under the permissive MIT License, allowing for broad use, modification, and distribution, including in commercial or closed-source applications.

Limitations & Caveats

Native binary patching for macOS and Windows is experimental and requires node-lief. The CLI Patch (Layer 4) has specific version support; versions outside the documented windows may only receive partial localization (Layers 1-3). Certain Claude Code versions are explicitly excluded from experimental native support, and unverified latest builds may skip the CLI Patch entirely. The project is not officially affiliated with Anthropic.