Why does this skill recommend specific naming conventions for files?

Using descriptive, kebab-case names like 'api-authentication-design.md' ensures that both the AI and developers can easily identify the scope and topic of a memory without needing to open every file.

What is the difference between Serena memories and Beads notes?

Serena memories are for high-level, longitudinal knowledge like design decisions and API contracts that persist across the project life. Beads notes are for task-specific, ephemeral context relevant only while a specific feature or bug fix is active.

How does the Session Start Protocol work?

It involves a four-step process: listing existing memories, reading only the relevant context for the current task, checking Beads for active task status, and synthesizing that information to begin work fully informed.

When should I update an existing memory versus creating a new one?

Update an existing memory if the topic is the same but information has evolved (e.g., adding a new field to an existing API contract). Create a new memory for genuinely new topics or distinct project areas.

Memory Conventions for Claude

Name: Memory Conventions for Claude
Author: jsamuelsen11

byjsamuelsen11

0•

Productivity & Workflow

Standardizes how Claude stores and retrieves project context, design decisions, and session state across development cycles.

This skill provides a comprehensive framework for managing longitudinal memory in Claude Code, ensuring critical project context is never lost. It establishes clear protocols for using Serena memories to document architectural decisions and API contracts, Beads notes for active task tracking, and Git commits for code evolution. By enforcing structured naming conventions and a session start protocol, it helps maintain a highly organized and searchable knowledge base that improves AI performance and developer continuity throughout a project's lifecycle.

Key Features

01Differentiated persistence levels for long-term knowledge vs. short-term tasks

02Guidelines for documenting design rationale, API contracts, and discovered constraints

03Structured 'Session Start Protocol' to quickly load relevant project state

04Kebab-case naming conventions for organized, searchable context files

05Memory hygiene rules for updating, versioning, and archiving outdated records

060 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Tracking in-progress task state and blockers during long-running feature development

02Persisting complex architectural decisions and technical trade-offs across multiple AI sessions

03Standardizing documentation for API integration points and external service configurations

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jsamuelsen11/claude-config memory-conventions

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill