What is CLAUDE.md?
Claude Code's project config file, specifying how the AI works in your codebase. Equivalent to Cursor's .cursorrules.
TL;DR: Claude Code project config. Defines tech stack / coding conventions / testing requirements / constraints. Auto-read. Team standardization. Essential for AI code quality.
Best for: Every dev team using Claude Code.
Template Elements
1. Tech Stack — languages / frameworks / databases
2. Commands — dev/test/lint/build
3. Conventions — imports / naming / error handling
4. Constraints — what not to do
Layering
Global ~/.claude/ → workspace → project root → subdirectories, each overriding the last.
FAQ
Q: How long should it be? A: 30–100 lines is optimal.
Q: Can Cursor use it? A: No — Cursor uses .cursorrules, but the concept is the same.