Layered Configuration Context (CLAUDE.md Style)

Problem

AI agents require relevant context to perform effectively. Providing this context manually in every prompt is cumbersome, and a one-size-fits-all global context is often too broad or too narrow. Different projects, users, and organizational policies may require different baseline information for the agent.

Solution

Implement a system of layered configuration files (e.g., named CLAUDE.md or a similar convention) that the agent automatically discovers and loads based on their location in the file system hierarchy. This allows for:

• Enterprise/Organizational Context: A root-level file (/<enterprise_root>/CLAUDE.md) for policies or information shared across all projects in an organization.
• User-Specific Global Context: A file in the user's home directory (~/.claude/CLAUDE.md) for personal preferences, common tools, or notes shared across all their projects.
• Project-Specific Context: A file within the project's root directory (<project_root>/CLAUDE.md), typically version-controlled, for project-specific instructions, architectural overviews, or key file descriptions.
• Project-Local Context: A local, non-version-controlled file (<project_root>/CLAUDE.local.md) for individual overrides, temporary notes, or secrets relevant to the project for that user.

The agent intelligently merges or prioritizes these context layers, providing a rich, tailored baseline of information without manual intervention in each query.

Example (configuration hierarchy)

References

• Based on the CLAUDE.md system described in "Mastering Claude Code: Boris Cherny's Guide & Cheatsheet," section IV.

Source