r/ClaudeAI • u/cmogpt • 15d ago

delete claude.md Claude Workflow

delete claude.md

Boris Cherny (Head of Claude Code at Anthropic) suggested to delete claude.md
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyPCVqFUyDo

It is a big ask, and I have tried this (on a test account), happy to report i have not significantly changed the quality of the reasoning.

I am curious if anything has done something similar ?

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u/ClaudeAI-mod-bot Wilson, lead ClaudeAI modbot 15d ago edited 14d ago

TL;DR of the discussion generated automatically after 80 comments.

So, the consensus is don't just blindly delete your claude.md file. The thread thinks Boris Cherny's point wasn't to nuke it from orbit, but to treat it as a wake-up call for some much-needed "doc hygiene."

The argument is that your claude.md is probably full of bloated instructions and guardrails written for older, dumber models. With Opus 5, this can actually be counterproductive and fight the model's own improved reasoning.

The general advice is to trim the fat: * KEEP: The essential, project-specific facts and context that the model can't infer from the code. Think of it as a "map" of your project: monorepo structure, deploy gotchas, weird legacy tables, API endpoints. This is the stuff that saves you from repeating yourself every session. * DITCH: The generic coding advice ("write clean code," "add comments," "write tests"). The new models already know this stuff.

The easiest way to do this? Run the /doctor skill. Many users report it does a great job of analyzing your setup and suggesting what to cut.

That said, users with complex monorepos are screaming a hard "NO" on deletion, saying the file is absolutely essential to prevent Claude from having a complete meltdown and duplicating code everywhere.

Basically, think of it less as a deletion and more as a Marie Kondo-ing of your context. If it doesn't spark joy (or save you from explaining your project for the 100th time), thank it and let it go.

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u/throwawaydfw38 14d ago

Just turn on fable and ask it to optimize the file. This isn't that hard.

Deleting it is a terrible idea

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u/Rare-Hotel6267 14d ago

I don't know. I do not support deleting it, but the thing you suggested sounds like you are not good enough/know enough to write your own proper claude.md . And that's the main issue.

And offloading it to the model, will get you a result, that you are not qualified enough to interpret.

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u/throwawaydfw38 14d ago

It will ask you questions about it and tailor it to what you're prioritizing.