Claude Code Configuration: The Settings That Actually Matter

Configure Claude Code for your workflow in 3 steps. Proper setup separates productive sessions from frustrating ones.

Problem: Claude Code gives generic responses because it lacks context about your project.

Quick Win: Create a CLAUDE.md file in your project root:

# Project Name: [Your App Name]
 
## Tech Stack
 
- Framework: React 18 / Next.js 15 / Express / Django
- Database: PostgreSQL / MongoDB / MySQL
- Deployment: Vercel / AWS / DigitalOcean
 
## Current Priority
 
[What you're working on this week]
 
## Coding Rules
 
- Use TypeScript for all new files
- Test critical functions
- Comment complex logic
- Use semantic commits
 
## Don't Change
 
- Authentication system (unless explicitly requested)
- Database schema (migration required)
- Production environment variables

Result: Claude now understands your project and gives contextual advice instead of generic tutorials.

Step 1: Essential Project Configuration

Create your configuration files:

touch CLAUDE.md                    # Project root - required
mkdir -p .claude/commands          # Custom workflows - optional

CLAUDE.md in project root (Required) - Your project's AI briefing document:

# [Project Name] - Development Context
 
## What This Project Does
 
[2-sentence description of your app's purpose]
 
## Tech Stack & Version
 
- Frontend: React 18.2.0 with TypeScript 5.0
- Backend: Node.js with Express or Next.js App Router
- Database: PostgreSQL 15 with Prisma ORM
- Styling: Tailwind CSS 3.4
 
## File Structure

src/ ├── app/ # Next.js pages (App Router) ├── components/ # Reusable UI components ├── lib/ # Utilities and configurations └── types/ # TypeScript definitions

## Current Sprint Goals
- [ ] User authentication system
- [ ] Dashboard with user data
- [ ] API endpoints for CRUD operations

## Never Touch Without Permission
- package.json dependencies (ask first)
- Database migrations (explain changes)
- Production environment variables

Success Check: Claude now mentions your tech stack and current goals in responses.

Step 2: MCP Server Setup (Power Features)

MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers extend Claude's capabilities. Add this to your global settings at ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem"],
      "env": {
        "ACCESS_DIRECTORIES": "/Users/yourname/projects"
      }
    },
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "ghp_your_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

What This Enables:

• Claude can read/write files directly
• Search your GitHub repositories
• Access project documentation
• Understand your coding patterns

Success Check: Claude can now access files and GitHub repos directly.

Step 3: Custom Slash Commands

Create reusable workflows in .claude/commands/. Each markdown file becomes a slash command.

Debug Workflow (.claude/commands/debug.md):

# Debug Workflow
 
When debugging:
 
1. Reproduce the error in isolation
2. Check browser console and network tab
3. Add console.logs to trace execution
4. Test with minimal data
5. Check recent changes in git log
6. Ask before suggesting major architecture changes

Test Generation (.claude/commands/test.md):

# Test Generation Guidelines
 
For new functions:
 
1. Write unit tests with Jest/Vitest
2. Test happy path and edge cases
3. Mock external dependencies
4. Use descriptive test names
5. Aim for 80% coverage on critical paths

Usage: Type /debug or /test in any Claude Code session to invoke these workflows.

Success Check: Claude follows your documented processes consistently.

Common Configuration Fixes

Error: "MCP server not responding" Fix: Check token permissions and directory paths in settings.json

Error: "Context window exceeded" Fix: Keep CLAUDE.md under 10KB. Split into multiple files if needed:

# Main CLAUDE.md (keep short)
 
See also:
 
- .claude/database-schema.md (detailed schema)
- .claude/api-patterns.md (endpoint conventions)

Error: "Claude forgot my project details" Fix: Verify CLAUDE.md exists in project root (not inside .claude/ folder)

Error: "Generic responses despite configuration" Fix: Run /init to regenerate CLAUDE.md, or reference it explicitly in your prompt

Global vs Project Configuration

Global Settings (~/.claude/settings.json):

• MCP server configurations
• Personal preferences
• Universal coding standards

Project Settings (project root):

• CLAUDE.md - Project context and rules
• .claude/commands/ - Custom slash commands
• .claude/settings.json - Project-specific MCP servers

Priority: Project settings override global settings. Use /init to auto-generate a starter CLAUDE.md.

What's Next

You now have Claude Code configured for maximum productivity. Next steps:

• Try your first AI-powered build: Create your first project with proper configuration
• Master advanced features: Learn terminal control techniques
• Optimize performance: Explore context management strategies
• Add more power: Set up popular MCP servers
• Join the community: Get help in our troubleshooting guide

Pro Tip: Keep your CLAUDE.md updated. When you change tech stack or priorities, update the file. Claude's effectiveness depends on current context.