Chapter 03 · CLI
CLAUDE.md, project memory and the .claude directory
CLAUDE.md is the file where you write Claude standing instructions about the project: how to build, test and work. Together with the memory hierarchy and the .claude directory it turns the tool from generic to team-specific.
Video
Steps
- Create CLAUDE.md at the project root with standing decisions: build and test commands, conventions and boundaries. Keep it short and precise.
- Understand the memory hierarchy: organization, project, user and local memory, and which file wins on conflict.
- The .claude directory centralizes project settings, custom commands and agents. Inspect what is inside before adding anything new.
- Settings precedence decides what applies: local settings override project, and project overrides user. Document your choices so the team understands.
Common pitfall: A long messy CLAUDE.md hurts: contradictory or overly generic instructions confuse the tool. A few precise instructions beat many vague ones.
Hands-on exercise: Write a short CLAUDE.md for your project with a build command, a test command and two conventions. Start a new session and check the tool applies them.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase
Recap
Comprehension check
What is CLAUDE.md for?
Recap
- CLAUDE.md: short standing project instructions
- A memory hierarchy with precedence exists
- .claude centralizes settings, commands and agents