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

Stop Your AI from Writing Code You Have to Rewrite

The AI isn't bad at coding. It's bad at coding your way. Here's the system to fix that.

Last updated: 2026-07-01

What 'bad code' actually means for AI agents

AI-generated "bad code" is almost never syntactically wrong. It compiles. It runs. But it violates your team's conventions: wrong folder, wrong naming pattern, wrong export style, missing types, unnecessary any, default exports where named exports are required. These violations are invisible to the compiler but cause real pain in code review and maintenance.

The two-layer fix

Layer 1: Rules file (CLAUDE.md / .cursor/rules / AGENTS.md) -runs before code generation, tells the agent what your standards are. Layer 2: ESLint / TypeScript config -runs after code generation, catches violations the rules file missed. Both are necessary. The rules file reduces violations; the linter is the safety net. Most teams have Layer 2 but skip Layer 1.

The 20% of rules that fix 80% of the problems

Based on the most common AI coding anti-patterns: (1) Export style -named exports vs default exports. AI agents default to default exports; most modern React codebases prefer named. (2) any usage -AI reaches for any when types get complex. Explicit prohibition fixes this. (3) File placement -AI puts everything in obvious folders. Your feature-based structure requires explicit mapping. (4) Boolean naming -AI names booleans loading, error, open. You want isLoading, hasError, isOpen. (5) Null vs undefined -pick one and encode it.

Getting started

The fastest path: look at your last 5 code review comments where you corrected AI-generated code. Those are your highest-priority rules. Encode exactly those corrections into CLAUDE.md. Within a day, your most common violations disappear.

CLAUDE.md

# Project Rules

## Exports
- ALWAYS named exports: export function X() {}
- NEVER default exports for components or hooks.

## TypeScript  
- No `any`. Use `unknown` and narrow, or fix the type properly.
- No implicit any -tsconfig strict: true is non-negotiable.

## Booleans
- Name booleans with isX / hasX / canX / shouldX prefix.
  ✓ const isLoading = true
  ✗ const loading = true

## File Placement
- Components used in 1 place: colocate next to the feature.
- Components used in 2+ places: src/components/
- Never create pages/ -App Router project.

## Values
- Never use `null`. Only `undefined` for absent values.