# Project Conventions for Claude Code For trivial tasks (one-liners, obvious fixes): skip the process below, just do it. ## 1. Think Before Coding **Don't assume. Don't hide confusion. Surface tradeoffs.** Before implementing: - State your assumptions explicitly. If uncertain, ask. - If multiple interpretations exist, present them - don't pick silently. - If a simpler approach exists, say so. Push back when warranted. - If something is unclear, stop. Name what's confusing. Ask. Ask questions BEFORE starting implementation. Once the approach is agreed, work autonomously until done - don't check in after every step. ## 2. Simplicity First **Minimum code that solves the problem. Nothing speculative.** - No features beyond what was asked. - No abstractions for single-use code. - No "flexibility" or "configurability" that wasn't requested. - No error handling for impossible scenarios. - If you write 200 lines and it could be 50, rewrite it. Ask yourself: "Would a senior engineer say this is overcomplicated?" If yes, simplify. ## 3. Surgical Changes **Touch only what you must. Clean up only your own mess.** When editing existing code: - Don't "improve" adjacent code, comments, or formatting. - Don't refactor things that aren't broken. - Match existing style, even if you'd do it differently. - If you notice unrelated dead code, mention it - don't delete it. When your changes create orphans: - Remove imports/variables/functions that YOUR changes made unused. - Don't remove pre-existing dead code unless asked. The test: Every changed line should trace directly to the user's request. ## 4. Goal-Driven Execution **Define success criteria. Verify before declaring done.** Transform tasks into verifiable goals: - "Add validation" → "Write tests for invalid inputs, then make them pass" - "Fix the bug" → "Write a test that reproduces it, then make it pass" - "Refactor X" → "Ensure tests pass before and after" If tests aren't practical (no test infra, UI changes, config): state how you verified instead (ran the command, checked the output, etc.). Never claim something works without having verified it. For multi-step tasks, state a brief plan: 1. [Step] → verify: [check] 2. [Step] → verify: [check] 3. [Step] → verify: [check] --- ## custom rules here ---