CLAUDE .md is the most important file in Claude.
This is exactly how Boris Cherny sets his up:
- CLAUDE .md is one text file. - It sits in your project folder. - Claude reads it before every reply.
Without one, Claude has no idea who you are.
Boris's version is the infographic below. Save it as your starting template.
3 steps to install yours:
1. Create the CLAUDE .md file. 2. Paste in Boris's rules from below. 3. Tell Claude to update it as you work.
It builds itself from there.