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Project

What is a Claude Code Project?

A Claude Code project is simply any directory where you've launched the claude command or are interacting with Claude Code. There's no special "project file" or configuration required to designate a directory as a Claude Code project.

When you run Claude in a directory:

  • Claude establishes that directory as the current working context
  • It can access files within that directory and subdirectories
  • It looks for CLAUDE.md files to gain additional context (optional)
  • Claude becomes aware of your entire project structure

The project concept in Claude Code is more about providing a working context than a formal technical structure with required configuration files.

Getting Started

To start using Claude Code in your project, simply navigate to your project directory and run the claude command. Claude Code will then be able to help you:

  • Build features from descriptions
  • Debug issues
  • Navigate your codebase
  • Automate various development tasks
  • Find up-to-date information about your project

Memory and Context Management

Claude Code manages memory and context through a hierarchical structure with three levels:

Memory Types

  1. Enterprise Policy (Organization-wide)
  2. Stored in system-level CLAUDE.md files
  3. Shared with all users in the organization

  4. Highest precedence

  5. Project Memory (Team-shared)

  6. Stored in ./CLAUDE.md or ./.claude/CLAUDE.md
  7. Contains project-specific instructions: architecture, coding standards, common workflows

  8. Shared with team members via source control

  9. User Memory (Personal)

  10. Stored in ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md
  11. Contains personal preferences
  12. Applies across all projects for an individual

Memory Loading Behavior

  • Memory files are automatically loaded when Claude Code launches
  • Higher-level memories take precedence over lower-level ones
  • The system recursively discovers memories from the current working directory upwards
  • You can import additional memory files using @path/to/import syntax

Project Configuration

Project-Specific Settings

Projects can have their own Claude Code settings and configurations stored in .claude/ directories:

  • Project-specific subagents: .claude/agents/
  • Project memory files: .claude/CLAUDE.md
  • Custom slash commands
  • Hooks and integrations

Directory Structure Notes

  • The folders under ~/.claude/projects/ can be safely deleted if you no longer need those projects
  • This directory is a custom organization structure, not required by Claude Code
  • You can organize your projects however works best for your workflow

Team Collaboration

For Team and Enterprise plans, Claude Code projects can be shared among team members with premium seats, enabling:

  • Collaborative development workflows
  • Shared project memory and context
  • Team-wide coding standards and practices
  • Consistent development patterns across the team