CLAUDE.md Principles
Write effective project instructions that give Claude Code the context it needs to help you succeed.
What is CLAUDE.md?
A CLAUDE.md file
lives in your project root and contains instructions that Claude Code reads before helping you.
Think of it as your project's documentation specifically for Claude.
Essential Sections
Project Overview
What is this project? What does it do? Keep it concise.
# My Project
A real-time chat app using WebSocket
Tech Stack
Frameworks, languages, and key dependencies.
**Tech Stack:** Node.js + TypeScript + PostgreSQL
Core Policies
How should Claude work? Default behaviors and rules.
## Core Policies
- Execute directly, don't ask for permission
- Use parallel agents for exploration
- Test before committing
Directory Structure
Help Claude understand where things are.
Rules & Constraints
What Claude should never do automatically.
## Forbidden
- Never git push without asking
- Never modify prod config directly
Best Practices
Be Specific
Clear instructions reduce misunderstandings
Keep It Updated
Outdated info is worse than no info
Use Examples
Show, don't just tell
Think Global vs Local
Global rules in ~/.claude/, project-specific in CLAUDE.md
Learn More
Get templates, examples, and advanced patterns for writing effective CLAUDE.md files.