Split CLAUDE.md into rules that load when needed

The steps

One step at a time. When a step’s check matches, tick it and the next one opens.

1. 01

   Step 1 of 4: Move topic rules into .claude/rules/

   Give each topic its own file that loads only for matching files.

   The code rules in CLAUDE.md only matter when Claude touches code. Move them into .claude/rules/, one topic per file. The paths list makes a rule load only when Claude reads or edits a matching file.

   .claude/rules/pricing.md · MarkdownCopy

   ---
   paths:
     - "src/quote.js"
   ---
   
   # Pricing rules
   
   - `src/quote.js` stays pure: no file, network or console access. Input and output belong in `src/cli.js`.
   - Money is whole cents (integers) inside `src/quote.js`. Only `formatMoney` turns cents into text.
   - Round to the cent with `Math.round` at each step: each line, the discount, the VAT.
   - The discount comes off before VAT is added.
   

   acme-quotes/

   • folder .claude
     • folder rulesNew
       • pricing.mdNewLoads with src/quote.js
       • code-style.mdNewLoads with files in src/ and test/
     • settings.json
   • CLAUDE.mdChangedCode rules moved out
   • README.md

   Check it worked

   Both rule files start with a paths: list between two --- lines.

   If it didn’t work

   A rule seems to load in every session

   Its frontmatter didn’t parse, so it counts as a rule without paths. Check the --- lines and quotes; claude --debug shows the error.

   It worked — next step Not yet
2. 02

   Step 2 of 4: Import a file with @path

   Point CLAUDE.md at an existing file instead of repeating it.

   Write @ and a path anywhere in CLAUDE.md to pull in that file. Imports keep CLAUDE.md short to read, but the imported file still loads at launch, so only path rules save context.

   Changes to CLAUDE.mdBefore → after

   Unchanged: # Acme Quotes

   −Removed: A command-line quote calculator for a small services business. It prices hours

   −Removed: per role from a rate card, takes off an optional discount, adds VAT and prints

   −Removed: the total. Plain Node.js with no dependencies.

   +Added: A command-line quote calculator for a small services business. Plain Node.js

   +Added: with no dependencies. What it does and how to run it: @README.md

   Unchanged: ## Commands

   Start Claude Code and askCopy

   Without opening any files: how do I run the quote script directly with node, not npm?

   Check it worked

   Claude answers with node src/cli.js, which only README.md mentions.

   It worked — next step Not yet Back
3. 03

   Step 3 of 4: See what loads when

   Check what loaded at launch, then trigger the pricing rule.

   In Claude Code

   You type: › /context

   – What happens: Under Memory files, CLAUDE.md is listed. The path rules aren’t, because nothing has touched src/ yet.

   You type: › Read src/quote.js, then list the project rules that apply to it.

   – What happens: Reading src/quote.js loads both rules, so Claude can list them.

   Check it worked

   Claude lists the cents, rounding and discount rules from pricing.md.

   It worked — next step Not yet Back
4. 04

   Step 4 of 4: Review what auto memory saved

   Open /memory to see your instruction files and Claude’s own notes.

   Claude also keeps its own notes per project, such as corrections you gave it. The first 200 lines of its MEMORY.md index load in every session, so check them now and then.

   In Claude Code

   You type: › /memory

   – What happens: Lists your CLAUDE.md files and has a switch for auto memory.

   – What happens: Choose the option that opens the auto memory folder.

   Check it worked

   You can read each note Claude saved. A new project may have none yet.

   It worked — finish Not yet Back