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

Why Claude Code Ignores Your CLAUDE.md Rules

You wrote the rules. Claude still writes the wrong code. Here's exactly what's breaking and how to fix it.

Last updated: 2026-07-01

The four reasons rules get ignored

(1) The rule is too vague -"write clean code" gives Claude nothing to act on. (2) The file is too long -Claude deprioritizes content after the first ~300 lines. (3) Conflicting instructions -if two rules contradict each other, Claude resolves it unpredictably. (4) Rules buried at the bottom -critical rules should be near the top, ideally in the first 100 lines.

Vague vs. concrete rules

Compare these: Vague: "Follow best practices for TypeScript." Concrete: "Never use `any`. If you must, add an ESLint disable comment with a written reason." Vague: "Organize your imports." Concrete: "Import order: 1) Node built-ins, 2) external libraries, 3) internal @/ paths, 4) relative paths. Blank line between each group." The more specific and example-driven your rules are, the higher compliance you get.

File length and rule prioritization

If your CLAUDE.md is longer than 400 lines, Claude begins to deprioritize rules in the lower half. The fix: move your most-violated conventions to the top section. Use a "Key Rules" or "Critical Constraints" block at the very top with your 5-10 non-negotiables. Let the rest of the file be reference documentation.

How to test if Claude is actually reading your rules

Start a fresh Claude Code session and ask: "Read my CLAUDE.md and tell me the three most important rules." If Claude can't summarize them accurately, your rules are either too vague or the file is too long/disorganized. Then ask Claude to write a small component and manually check each convention. Rule-by-rule testing reveals exactly which rules are being dropped.

CLAUDE.md structure that maximizes compliance

Put the highest-priority rules first in a clearly labeled section.

CLAUDE.md

# CLAUDE.md

## ⚡ Critical Rules -Never Break These
1. Named exports only. No default exports for components.
2. No `any` in TypeScript. No exceptions without a comment.
3. No `null` -use `undefined`.
4. Server Components are default. Add "use client" only when required.
5. No useEffect for data fetching -use Server Components.

## Stack
[Your stack details here]

## Folder Structure  
[Your folder structure here]

## Naming Conventions
[Naming rules here]

## Full Coding Standards
[Detailed standards below -less critical, more reference]