Update CLAUDE.md
Analyze the codebase and generate a hierarchical CLAUDE.md system optimized for Claude Code.
Key Principles
- •CLAUDE.md is authoritative — treated as system rules, not suggestions
- •Use modular sections with clear markdown headers
- •Front-load critical context — large CLAUDE.md files improve instruction adherence
- •Hierarchical strategy: Root = universal rules; Subdirs = specific context
- •Keep root CLAUDE.md under 400 lines
Workflow
Phase 1: Repository Analysis
Analyze and present:
- •Architecture — monorepo/standard, tech stack, testing, CI/CD
- •Claude Code opportunities — hooks, MCP servers, commands, subagents
- •Directory map — where CLAUDE.md files should exist
- •Dangerous patterns — commands to block, files to protect
- •Tool permissions — defaults vs explicit permission required
Present analysis as a structured map before generating files.
Phase 2: Generate Root CLAUDE.md
Include these sections (see references/claude-md-guide.md for detailed templates):
- •Project Identity (5-10 lines) — type, stack, architecture
- •Universal Rules (10-20 lines) — MUST/SHOULD/MUST NOT with RFC-2119 language
- •Core Commands (10-20 lines) — development, quality, testing
- •Project Structure Map (15-30 lines) — with links to subdirectory CLAUDE.md
- •Quick Find Commands (10-15 lines) — JIT search patterns
- •Security & Secrets (5-10 lines)
- •Git Workflow (5-10 lines)
- •Testing Strategy (5-10 lines)
- •Tool Permissions (5-10 lines)
- •Subdirectory Context (5-10 lines) — links to specialized CLAUDE.md
Phase 3: Generate Subdirectory CLAUDE.md Files
For each major package/directory (100-200 lines each):
- •Package identity and parent context link
- •Setup and commands
- •Architecture and patterns (most important)
- •Key files and touch points
- •JIT search hints
- •Common gotchas
- •Package-specific testing
- •Pre-PR validation
Phase 4: Claude Code Configuration
- •Hooks configuration (
.claude/settings.json) - •Custom slash commands (
.claude/commands/) - •MCP server recommendations
- •Subagent recommendations (if applicable)
Quality Checklist
- • Root CLAUDE.md under 400 lines
- • All subdirectory CLAUDE.md files link back to root
- • Every "DO" has a real file example with path
- • Every "DON'T" references actual anti-pattern
- • Commands are copy-paste ready
- • JIT search commands use actual file patterns
- • No duplication between hierarchy levels