CLAUDE.md Starter Template

What is this?

A starter template for creating your own CLAUDE.md file — the configuration file that Claude Code loads automatically at the start of every session.

Think of it as an employee handbook for your AI. Instead of re-explaining your preferences, tech stack, and working style every session, you write it once and the AI remembers forever.

Why use it?

Consistency. Without persistent context, every conversation is a fresh negotiation. The AI might suggest React when you prefer Stimulus. It might write RSpec when you use Minitest. It might over-engineer when you value simplicity.

Speed. Every session starts at full speed. No warm-up. No context-setting. The AI already knows your stack, your preferences, your constraints.

Quality. The quality of AI output is a direct function of the context you provide. Better context = better results.

What's included?

The template covers:

• Who you are — Role, location, background
• Current situation — What you're working on, constraints, goals
• Tech stack preferences — Backend, frontend, mobile, infrastructure
• Core principles — Non-negotiable values that guide decisions
• Active projects — Your project landscape with stack info
• How to work with you — Communication style, code style, workflow
• Things to avoid — Anti-patterns and guardrails

How to use it

1. **Download the template** using the button below
2. **Customize it** — Replace the placeholders with your actual preferences
3. **Save it** to `~/.claude/CLAUDE.md` for global settings (applies to all projects)
4. **Optionally** add project-specific versions in your project roots

Pro tip: Symlink AGENTS.md to CLAUDE.md in your project roots for compatibility with other AI coding tools like Cursor, Codex, and Devin.

Compatibility

This template follows the AGENTS.md standard used by 60,000+ open-source projects. It works with:

• Claude Code
• Cursor
• GitHub Copilot
• Codex
• Devin
• Most other AI coding tools