Claude Code .claude/ Folder Explained — Full Map

CLAUDE.md

project rules, persistent memory

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CLAUDE.local.md

personal overrides, gitignored

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.mcp.json

MCP servers, must be at project root

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.claude/

where Claude Code looks first for config

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hooks/

deterministic shell scripts that fire on lifecycle events

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PostToolUse.sh / SessionStart.sh / PreCompact.sh

hook event types

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commands/

slash commands (legacy, still works)

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skills/

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

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agents/

subagents with isolated context windows

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output-styles/

custom response formats

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plugins/

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

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rules/

path-scoped instructions, load on glob match

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statusline

bottom-bar display config

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settings.json

permissions, model, hook registry, plugins

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settings.local.json

personal settings, gitignored

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Plugin marketplaces (bonus)

distribute plugins via git repos

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Features overview (bonus)

when to use what

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