How to Structure Claude Code Configs Using CLAUDE.md and Modular Rules Files
Developers using Claude Code can configure AI coding assistants at multiple levels, from a global user directory to project-specific and sub-directory files. The CLAUDE.md file serves as a high-level project reference, storing core architecture details, CLI commands, and non-negotiable coding rules loaded into every session. For larger projects, the .claude/rules/ directory allows modular, path-scoped rule files that load selectively, reducing unnecessary token consumption. This separation prevents bloated prompt contexts — for example, backend migration rules need not load when editing frontend CSS components. Best practices recommend keeping CLAUDE.md under 150 lines and delegating domain-specific or framework-level guidelines to dedicated files within .claude/rules/.
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