CLAUDE.md File
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A CLAUDE.md File is an agentic coding configuration file that establishes immutable instructions and operational boundaries for Claude Code through markdown syntax with system-level authority.
- AKA: Claude Memory File, Claude Configuration Document, Claude.md Configuration, Claude Configuration File, Claude Context File, Claude Markdown Configuration, Claude Project File, CLAUDE.md, Claude Code Instruction File, Claude Project Configuration.
- Context:
- It can typically store Project Architecture with system design details and technical specifications.
- It can typically document Coding Best Practices through code standards with style guidelines.
- It can typically maintain Project Context across coding sessions via persistent configuration.
- It can typically specify Development Guidelines for coding patterns with implementation rules.
- It can typically capture System Knowledge about technical constraints and environmental requirements.
- It can typically establish Workflow Procedures through sequential instructions with execution steps.
- It can typically define Testing Requirements via test strategies with coverage criteria.
- It can typically configure Environment Setups through configuration directives with initialization commands.
- It can typically enforce Code Review Processes via review checklists with compliance standards.
- It can typically override User Prompts through instruction hierarchy with priority rules.
- It can often improve Output Quality through consistent instructions with deterministic behavior.
- It can often reduce Context Repetition by persistent configuration with automatic loading.
- It can often enable Team Alignment via shared understanding with standardized practices.
- It can often facilitate Developer Onboarding for new team members through documented conventions.
- It can often include Bash Commands via command specifications with execution parameters.
- It can often establish File Boundaries through access restrictions with scope definitions.
- It can often document Repository Etiquette via contribution guidelines with collaboration rules.
- It can often specify Critical Warnings through gotcha documentation with error prevention.
- It can often maintain Instruction Authority over session interactions with immutable rules.
- It can range from being a Basic CLAUDE.md File to being a Comprehensive CLAUDE.md File, depending on its content depth.
- It can range from being a Team-Shared CLAUDE.md File to being a Personal CLAUDE.md File, depending on its access scope.
- It can range from being a Static CLAUDE.md File to being a Dynamic CLAUDE.md File, depending on its update frequency.
- It can range from being a General CLAUDE.md File to being a Domain-Specific CLAUDE.md File, depending on its specialization level.
- It can range from being a Minimal CLAUDE.md File to being a Detailed CLAUDE.md File, depending on its specification granularity.
- It can range from being a Project-Level CLAUDE.md File to being a Global CLAUDE.md File, depending on its scope hierarchy.
- It can range from being a 100-Line CLAUDE.md File to being a Extended CLAUDE.md File, depending on its file length.
- It can enhance Claude Code with persistent context for session consistency.
- It can complement Custom Slash Commands for workflow optimization through automated actions.
- It can work with Custom Hooks for automated behavior via event triggers.
- It can support Software Dogfooding Practices through internal documentation with usage examples.
- It can integrate with Version Control Systems for configuration management and change tracking.
- It can interface with Agentic Coding Development Environments for context provision and rule enforcement.
- It can coordinate with CLAUDE.local.md Files for local overrides with specific customizations.
- ...
- Examples:
- Content-Type CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Architecture CLAUDE.md File documenting system designs with component relationships.
- Gotcha CLAUDE.md File listing common pitfalls with prevention strategies.
- Style Guide CLAUDE.md File defining code conventions with formatting rules.
- Workflow CLAUDE.md File specifying development processes with task sequences.
- Testing CLAUDE.md File establishing quality standards with validation procedures.
- Usage-Pattern CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Team CLAUDE.md File for collaborative development with shared standards.
- Project CLAUDE.md File containing specific requirements with domain rules.
- Personal CLAUDE.md File with individual preferences and custom workflows.
- Organization CLAUDE.md File enforcing company policies with compliance requirements.
- Structure-Based CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Sectioned CLAUDE.md File with organized topics using markdown headers.
- Template CLAUDE.md File providing standard formats for consistent structure.
- Evolving CLAUDE.md File through iterative refinement with continuous improvement.
- Modular CLAUDE.md File using section imports for configuration reuse.
- Location-Based CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Complexity-Level CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Authority-Level CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- ...
- Content-Type CLAUDE.md Files, such as:
- Counter-Examples:
- Inline Prompt, which provides transient instructions rather than persistent configuration.
- Executable Script, which executes code logic rather than stores configuration rules.
- Log File, which records execution output rather than guides system behavior.
- README.md File, which provides project documentation rather than agentic instructions.
- .cursorrules File, which configures Cursor AI rather than Claude Code.
- copilot-instructions.md File, which configures GitHub Copilot rather than Claude Code.
- package.json File, which defines dependency configurations rather than coding instructions.
- .env File, which stores environment variables rather than behavioral instructions.
- See: Agentic Coding Configuration File, Claude Code, CLAUDE.local.md File, Configuration File, Markdown File, Custom Slash Command, Custom Hook, Software Documentation, Project Configuration, Development Context Management, Configuration Management, Agentic Coding Hackability Feature, System Configuration File, Instruction Hierarchy, Context Persistence.