claude-md-authoring

A CLAUDE.md file provides structured context for Claude Code. You need it to ensure consistent, high-quality AI guidance by applying instruction budgets and progressive disclosure to your project workflows.

Structure your CLAUDE.md file by using WHAT to outline project purpose, WHY to document decisions, and HOW to define workflows. This framework ensures concise, focused context for Claude Code.

Instruction budgets in CLAUDE.md limit excessive context sharing. They improve AI context by enforcing concise instructions, applying progressive disclosure, and avoiding over-sharing sensitive details.

Use progressive disclosure in CLAUDE.md when you need to manage complex project context. It prevents information overload by revealing details only as needed, keeping Claude Code guidance crisp and focused.

Yes, you can create both user-level and project-level CLAUDE.md files. This approach targets different scopes of context, applying HumanLayer guidelines to ensure safe, high-quality instructions for each level.

Avoid over-sharing sensitive details and including tool-specific information when authoring CLAUDE.md. The approach promotes safe instructions and focuses on reusable context by enforcing strict instruction budgets.