| name | managing-claude-code-meta |
| description | MUST be loaded when setting up, installing, migrating, reviewing, auditing, or checking CLAUDE.md files in projects. Covers installing the promode CLAUDE.md into new projects, migrating existing CLAUDE.md content to READMEs (progressive disclosure), and auditing projects for conformance. Invoke PROACTIVELY when user mentions CLAUDE.md, project setup, agent configuration, or code meta files. |
1. CLAUDE.md is for main agent behaviour CLAUDE.md defines the main agent's role: conversing with users, delegating to sub-agents, and following the promode methodology. It does NOT contain project-specific technical details — those belong in README.md files.
2. Sub-agents use the promode-subagent
Claude Code sub-agents don't inherit CLAUDE.md. The promode-subagent mirrors the same methodology so sub-agents apply the same principles. Main agents delegate to promode-subagent rather than instructing sub-agents to read CLAUDE.md.
3. README.md files are the knowledge graph Each package/directory can have a README.md with domain-specific context. Agents read these just-in-time when working in that area. This keeps initial context lean while making deep knowledge available.
4. Tests are the documentation Long-lived markdown should cover architecture and principles only. Detailed behaviour documentation belongs in executable tests. If behaviour isn't tested, it's not guaranteed.
5. CLAUDE.md is standardised
The standard CLAUDE.md (standard/MAIN_AGENT_CLAUDE.md) should be copied exactly into projects. It is designed to work universally. All project-specific content belongs in README.md files.
- Install — Set up the standard CLAUDE.md in a new project
- Migrate — Refactor an existing CLAUDE.md, moving content to READMEs
- Audit — Check if a project follows progressive disclosure principles
Wait for response before proceeding.
Intent-based routing:
- "set up CLAUDE.md", "add agent config" → workflows/install.md
- "CLAUDE.md is too big", "slim down", "refactor" → workflows/migrate.md
- "is this right?", "check conformance" → workflows/audit.md
After reading the workflow, follow it exactly.
Sub-agents: Main agents delegate to promode-subagent, which already knows the methodology.
README.md distribution:
project/
├── CLAUDE.md # Main agent behaviour (promode methodology)
├── README.md # Project overview, links to main components of system, etc
└── docs/
└── {feature}/ # Ephemeral planning docs, and task specs
| Workflow | Purpose |
|---|---|
| install.md | Install standard CLAUDE.md into new project |
| migrate.md | Migrate existing CLAUDE.md content to READMEs |
| audit.md | Audit project for progressive disclosure conformance |
- CLAUDE.md is an exact copy of
standard/MAIN_AGENT_CLAUDE.md - README.md at project root with overview and navigation
- Component README.md files throughout for domain-specific context
- Tests document system behaviour, not markdown files