What is the difference between CLAUDE.md and .claude/rules/?

CLAUDE.md is for global project context, while .claude/rules/ allows for granular, path-specific instructions that apply only to certain files or directories.

How does this skill help with monorepos?

It provides a clear hierarchy and decision tree for organizing subfolder CLAUDE.md files, using lazy-loading to keep the system prompt efficient even in large codebases.

What is a CLAUDE.md file?

A CLAUDE.md file is a project-level configuration and memory file that Claude Code loads into every session to understand your specific tech stack, commands, and coding conventions.

Why is the 300-line limit for CLAUDE.md important?

CLAUDE.md instructions compete with Claude's internal instructions for attention. Keeping it concise ensures the AI follows your rules consistently without exceeding its instruction following threshold.

What common anti-patterns does this skill detect?

The skill identifies vague instructions, negative-only constraints without alternatives, redundant style rules the AI already knows, and excessive use of code examples.

Crafting CLAUDE.md

Name: Crafting CLAUDE.md
Author: Mission42-ai

byMission42-ai

0•

Learning & Documentation

Optimizes Claude Code behavior by standardizing and validating project-specific CLAUDE.md instructions and memory hierarchy.

The Crafting CLAUDE.md skill provides essential domain knowledge and automated tools for building high-leverage configuration files that guide Claude Code’s behavior. By implementing a structured WHAT/WHY/HOW framework and managing token budgets, it ensures Claude receives precise, actionable project context without bloating the system prompt. This skill includes specialized scripts for scanning project structures, identifying anti-patterns, and implementing lazy-loading strategies for monorepos, ultimately improving AI coding consistency and reducing errors across complex codebases.

Key Features

01Decision tree for efficient file organization and memory management

02Automated validation of CLAUDE.md file size, structure, and instruction quality

03Best practice guidelines for monorepo configuration and .claude/rules/ organization

04Project scanning to discover and map CLAUDE.md hierarchy and loading behavior

05Writing style optimization to prevent token waste and common anti-patterns

060 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Setting up a new project for optimal Claude Code integration and performance

02Auditing existing project documentation to improve AI coding accuracy and response quality

03Refactoring bloated CLAUDE.md files in complex monorepos to use lazy-loading

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add mission42-ai/m42-claude-plugins crafting-claudemd

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Key Features

01Decision tree for efficient file organization and memory management

02Automated validation of CLAUDE.md file size, structure, and instruction quality

03Best practice guidelines for monorepo configuration and .claude/rules/ organization

04Project scanning to discover and map CLAUDE.md hierarchy and loading behavior

05Writing style optimization to prevent token waste and common anti-patterns

060 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Setting up a new project for optimal Claude Code integration and performance

02Auditing existing project documentation to improve AI coding accuracy and response quality

03Refactoring bloated CLAUDE.md files in complex monorepos to use lazy-loading

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add mission42-ai/m42-claude-plugins crafting-claudemd

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT