Claude Code .claude/ Folder Explained — Full Map

CLAUDE.md

project rules, persistent memory

CLAUDE.local.md

personal overrides, gitignored

.mcp.json

MCP servers, must be at project root

.claude/

where Claude Code looks first for config

hooks/

deterministic shell scripts that fire on lifecycle events

PostToolUse.sh / SessionStart.sh / PreCompact.sh

hook event types

commands/

slash commands (legacy, still works)

skills/

canonical home for model-invokable workflows (SKILL.md)

agents/

subagents with isolated context windows

output-styles/

custom response formats

plugins/

first-class in 2026, bundle commands, agents, MCP, skills

rules/

path-scoped instructions, load on glob match

statusline

bottom-bar display config

settings.json

permissions, model, hook registry, plugins

settings.local.json

personal settings, gitignored

Plugin marketplaces (bonus)

distribute plugins via git repos

Features overview (bonus)

when to use what