What is a CLAUDE.md file and how does it work?

A CLAUDE.md file is a Markdown conventions file that Claude Code reads automatically when you start a session. It contains your project's folder structure, coding standards, naming conventions, and performance rules - so Claude writes consistent code from the first prompt. standarx generates this file for you in under 3 minutes with a guided wizard for React and Next.js projects.

How do I create cursor rules (.cursor/rules/*.mdc) for my project?

A .cursor/rules/*.mdc file tells Cursor's AI Composer exactly how to structure and write code for your project. With standarx, you select your framework (React or Next.js), choose a folder structure, toggle coding standards, and configure performance optimizations. The tool generates a clean .cursor/rules/*.mdc file you drop into your project root - Cursor reads it automatically.

Why does my AI coding assistant write messy or inconsistent code?

AI coding assistants like Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex produce inconsistent code because they don't know your project's specific conventions. Without explicit rules, the AI invents a different folder layout every time, mixes naming patterns, skips error handling, and ignores performance optimizations. The fix is giving your AI a conventions file (CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, or AGENTS.md) that defines what "good" means for your stack. standarx generates these files automatically.

How do I stop AI from changing my folder structure every time?

AI coding agents change folder structures because they have no reference for your project's architecture. The solution is creating a rules file that explicitly defines your directory layout, what each folder is for, and how new files should be organized. standarx lets you configure a complete folder structure (with definitions for each directory), then generates a Markdown file your AI reads before writing any code - ensuring consistent structure across every session.

What coding standards should my AI agent follow for React and Next.js?

For React and Next.js projects, your AI agent should follow standards covering: named exports for components, TypeScript strict mode, proper error boundaries, semantic HTML, file size limits, import ordering, consistent naming conventions (PascalCase for components, camelCase for utilities), and accessibility (ARIA attributes, keyboard navigation). standarx provides a curated library of 30+ coding standards you can toggle on/off and customize, then generates a file your AI obeys.

What is "vibe coding" and how do I fix problems with it?

Vibe coding is when you build with AI tools (like Cursor or Claude Code) without setting explicit rules - you just "vibe" and let the AI decide everything. The problems: inconsistent folder structures, mixed coding patterns, missing optimizations, and unmaintainable code. The fix is giving your AI a conventions file before you start coding. standarx generates these files (CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, AGENTS.md) so your AI follows consistent standards from line one - structured vibe coding.

Problem-Solving

Your AI Agent Isn't Ignoring You -It Just Can't Read Your Mind

The coding standards exist in your head, your PRs, and your team's tribal knowledge. Your AI agent has access to none of that. Here's how to change that.

Last updated: 2026-07-01

Why AI agents ignore your standards

AI coding agents don't have access to your team's accumulated knowledge. They know general patterns from training data -and they default to those patterns when you haven't told them otherwise. Your ESLint config partially helps (it catches violations after the fact), but the agent writes code first and gets corrected later, every session, without ever learning. The fix is a rules file that loads before the first line of code.

What makes a rules file actually work

Three things make agents actually follow rules: (1) Concrete examples -"Do this: X. Never do: Y" beats abstract descriptions like "write clean code." (2) Placement near the top -agents deprioritize content deep in long files. Put the most critical rules first. (3) Specificity -"use named exports" is followed. "write good components" is ignored.

The standards worth encoding first

Start with the rules that cause the most pain in code review: naming conventions (files, variables, booleans, handlers), import organization, export style (named vs default), TypeScript strictness, and folder structure. These are the violations you catch over and over. Get them into a rules file once.

Quick-start template

A minimal CLAUDE.md / AGENTS.md that covers the most commonly violated conventions.

CLAUDE.md (quick-start)

# Coding Standards

## TypeScript
- strict mode. No `any`. No implicit returns.
- Interfaces for object shapes. Type aliases for unions.
- No enums -use union string literals.

## Components (React)
- Named exports only. NEVER default export a component.
- One component per file.
- Props typed with interfaces placed above the component.
- No anonymous arrow functions as JSX event handlers.

## Naming
- Files: kebab-case (user-profile.tsx)
- Components: PascalCase (UserProfile)
- Hooks: useCamelCase (useAuthState)
- Booleans: isX / hasX / canX (isLoading, hasError)
- Event handler functions: handleX (handleSubmit)
- Event handler props: onX (onSubmit)
- Constants: UPPER_SNAKE_CASE

## Imports
- Absolute imports using @ alias (import { X } from '@/components/X')
- Group: 1) external libraries, 2) internal @/ imports, 3) relative imports.
- No unused imports.

## What Never To Do
- Never use `null` -use `undefined`.
- Never put business logic in route/page files.
- Never commit console.log statements.