Writing CLAUDE.md Files

REQUIRED BACKGROUND: Read ed3d-extending-claude:writing-claude-directives for foundational guidance on token efficiency, compliance techniques, and directive structure.

Core Principle

CLAUDE.md files bridge Claude's statelessness. They preserve context so humans don't re-explain architectural intent every session.

Key distinction:

• Top-level: HOW to work in this codebase (commands, conventions)
• Subdirectory: WHY this piece exists and what it PROMISES (contracts, intent)

File Hierarchy

Claude automatically reads CLAUDE.md files from current directory up to root: