Practical guide · Orange Ink

How to set up a project for Claude Code

Give Claude Code the repository facts it cannot safely infer before asking it to edit.

Verify the repository

Run setup, test, lint and build commands and note important architecture.

Document conventions, protected surfaces, risk gates and completion evidence.

Define outcome, non-goals, acceptance checks and permitted changes.

Go further with the pack

Run the free pre-flight checklist first, then use the paid Claude Code Shipping System to take the change safely through release.

Free pack starter

Free download

Questions, answered

Should CLAUDE.md contain every detail?

No. Keep durable, repository-specific instructions there and task detail in the current brief.