Glossary · Building
noun/klawd dot em·dee/
A project memory file in a code repository that tells Claude Code how the project works: commands, architecture, conventions and anything that needs care. It is read at the start of each session.
In practice
A good CLAUDE.md is short and practical: how to install and run the project, the commands for tests and linting, how the code is organised, conventions to follow and anything that needs care. Because Claude Code reads it at the start of every session, it saves engineers repeating the same context and makes Claude's changes more consistent with how the team works.
Build, test and lint commands, a brief overview of the architecture, coding conventions, areas that need extra care, and anything a new engineer would need to know before making changes.
From AI curious to AI capable
Start with an audit. You will know exactly where AI fits, what to do first and what it should give back. Your report looks something like this.
Prepared for
your business
What Claude can really do
Contents
Every opportunity mapped, scored and turned into a costed Claude roadmap.