Init Project

1. Create directories (only those needed for the project type):

   mkdir -p data doc media model output script src/utils tests
   

2. Initialize git:

   git init
   

3. Create .gitignore with common exclusions:

   • Python: __pycache__/, *.pyc, .venv/, *.egg-info/
   • Environment: .env, .env.local
   • IDE: .vscode/, .idea/
   • OS: .DS_Store, Thumbs.db
   • Project: output/, model/, .claude/

4. Create README.md with:

   • Project title and description
   • Setup instructions
   • Usage examples
   • License (if applicable)

5. Create CLAUDE.md with:

   • Project overview
   • File roles and architecture
   • Commands for setup and running
   • Do Not Modify section (list driver files)
   • Files You Can Modify section

6. Set up Python environment (if Python project):

   python -m venv .venv
   source .venv/bin/activate
   pip install <dependencies>
   pip freeze > requirements.txt
   

CLAUDE.md Template

# CLAUDE.md

## Project Overview

[Brief description of what this project does]

## Do Not Modify

- [List driver/framework files here]

## Files You Can Modify

- [List implementation files here]

## Commands

### Setup
\`\`\`bash
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
\`\`\`

### Running
\`\`\`bash
[Add run commands]
\`\`\`

## Architecture

[Describe file roles and structure]

Important Notes

• Only create directories that are needed for the specific project
• Do NOT modify CLAUDE.md after initial creation unless explicitly asked
• Keep existing files in root directory; don't move them unless user specifies
• Ask user about project type and requirements before initializing