Create Context Files in AI
From the AI Workflow cheat sheet · Planning & Context Setup · verified Jul 2026
Create Context Files
Provide AI with project-specific guidelines and references
markdown
CONTEXT FILE STRUCTURE:
Small Projects (< 20 files):
- Single claude.md file with everything
Large Projects:
- .claude/ai-interaction.md - Communication preferences
- .claude/development-workflow.md - Team standards
- .claude/coding-standards.md - Code style and patterns
- .claude/project-plan.md - Current roadmap
- .claude/current-sprint.md - Active work
CLAUDE.MD TEMPLATE:
# AI Context for [Project Name]
## Project Structure
- /app - Main application code
- /components - Reusable components
- /lib - Utility functions
- /prisma - Database schema
## Coding Standards
- Use TypeScript strict mode - no 'any' types
- Prefer server components unless interactivity needed
- Follow [specific framework] patterns
- Keep components under 200 lines
## Preferences
- Explicit over clever - readable code wins
- Always include error handling
- Descriptive variable names, not abbreviations
## External Documentation
- [Link to framework docs]
- [Link to library docs]
- [Link to API docs]
## What NOT to do
- Don't use client components unless necessary
- Don't install packages without asking
- Don't skip error handling💡 Context files guide AI to match your style and preferences
⚡ Include links to docs - AI can fetch and apply them
📌 "What NOT to do" section prevents common mistakes
🎯 Update context when you make architectural decisions
contextdocumentationai-setup