claude-md

CLAUDE.md is a configuration file that tells Claude Code how to load context for your project. Create one by defining build commands, test commands, lint commands, critical rules, architecture overview, code patterns, and workflow rules in a structured format. This ensures Claude Code loads the right context every time.

For monorepos, CLAUDE.md should map build, test, and lint commands for each workspace or subdirectory, define shared rules and patterns, and specify local overrides. This guides Claude Code to apply consistent context across multiple project locations while respecting directory-specific configurations.

Yes. CLAUDE.md lets you prioritize critical commands, define architecture overviews, establish code patterns, and set workflow rules that Claude Code respects when gathering context. This reduces token overhead and ensures the agent focuses on relevant information for your project.

Audit CLAUDE.md by checking that build, test, and lint commands are current and correct, rules align with your project structure, and the file meets size and readability targets. Improve it by removing outdated entries, clarifying architecture sections, and ensuring consistency across multi-location contexts.

Yes. CLAUDE.md supports multi-location contexts, allowing shared configurations at the project root and local overrides in subdirectories. This is especially useful for monorepos where different packages or services have distinct build and workflow requirements.

Project-level CLAUDE.md defines context specific to a repository or monorepo, while user-level CLAUDE.md applies globally across all Claude Code sessions. Use project-level for repo-specific rules and team standards, and user-level for personal preferences and shared conventions.