Methodology for writing Claude Code rules, skills, CLAUDE.md files, and memory. Covers: decision test, rule structure, skill structure, CLAUDE.md patterns, memory discipline, evolution, hygiene. Use when: creating or editing rules, skills, CLAUDE.md, or memory files. Companion to the `claude-config.md` rule (system structure) and `/markdown` skill (formatting).
Methodology for writing Claude Code configuration files: rules, skills, CLAUDE.md, and memory. The claude-config.md rule covers system structure (tiers, locations, loading). This skill covers how to write them well.
Where does something belong? Extended from the brief test in claude-config.md:
| If... | Then... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must hold even if nobody invokes it | Rule | "Never use write_pool for GET handlers" |
| Is a methodology applied deliberately | Skill | "How to design a REST endpoint" |
| Is project architecture, commands, or concern map | CLAUDE.md | Tech stack, directory structure, verification commands |
| Is a stable pattern learned across sessions | Memory | "User prefers just over raw yarn" |
.claude/rules/), not global---