What is the Claude Code memory hierarchy?

It is a 5-level priority system that loads instructions from Enterprise policy, Project memory, Project rules, User memory, and finally Project local memory.

Does Claude Code load rules from subdirectories?

Yes, Claude recursively searches from the current working directory upwards to the root, reading all CLAUDE.md and .claude/rules files found along that path.

What is the difference between project memory and project local memory?

Project memory (CLAUDE.md) is version-controlled and shared with the team, while Project local (CLAUDE.local.md) is git-ignored and intended for personal project-specific preferences.

When should I move from CLAUDE.md to the rules directory?

You should migrate to the .claude/rules/ directory when your instructions exceed 200 lines or cover multiple independent domains like testing, API design, and security.

Memory System Architect

Name: Memory System Architect
Author: racurry

byracurry

Developer Tools

Optimizes Claude Code's multi-tiered memory hierarchy and project-specific rule structures for better context management.

About

The Memory System Architect skill provides expert guidance for designing and maintaining Claude Code's complex memory ecosystem. It helps developers navigate the 4-tier priority system—including enterprise policies, project-wide CLAUDE.md files, modular rules, and local preferences—to ensure instructions are loaded efficiently and accurately. By following these architectural patterns, teams can transition from monolithic configuration files to modular, path-specific rule directories, preventing context bloat and ensuring that Claude always has the most relevant project guidance at hand.

Key Features

Identifies common memory anti-patterns and configuration pitfalls
Provides frameworks for choosing between monolithic CLAUDE.md and modular .claude/rules/
Explains the 5-level memory priority hierarchy from Enterprise to Project Local
Guides the implementation of path-specific conditional rules and @syntax imports
0 GitHub stars
Offers a quality checklist for validating project memory and rule organization

Use Cases

Setting up team-wide coding standards that integrate with version control
Configuring personal developer preferences without polluting shared project repositories
Restructuring a large project's instructions to prevent reaching context limits

About

Key Features

Identifies common memory anti-patterns and configuration pitfalls
Provides frameworks for choosing between monolithic CLAUDE.md and modular .claude/rules/
Explains the 5-level memory priority hierarchy from Enterprise to Project Local
Guides the implementation of path-specific conditional rules and @syntax imports
0 GitHub stars
Offers a quality checklist for validating project memory and rule organization

Use Cases

Setting up team-wide coding standards that integrate with version control
Configuring personal developer preferences without polluting shared project repositories
Restructuring a large project's instructions to prevent reaching context limits