4 min read
Setup
For initializing projects and getting the foundation right.
Starting a New Project
Basic project start
I want to build [description of what it does].
Target platform: [macOS/iOS/web]
Keep it simple to start.With more context
I want to build [description].
What it should do:
- [Feature 1]
- [Feature 2]
- [Feature 3]
Target platform: [macOS/iOS/web]Menu bar app (macOS)
I want to build a macOS menu bar app that [description].
When I click the menu bar icon, it should [what appears/happens].iOS app
I want to build a simple iOS app that [description].
Main screen should show [what the user sees].CLAUDE.md Setup
Create a CLAUDE.md file
Create a CLAUDE.md file for this project. Include:
- What the app does
- Tech stack
- Current state
- Any conventions we should followUpdate CLAUDE.md
Update the CLAUDE.md to reflect our current progress.
We've completed [what's done] and next we're working on [what's next].Project Structure
Understand existing structure
Walk me through the current project structure.
What does each file/folder do?Create basic structure
Set up the basic folder structure for this project.
Keep it simple — we can add more organization later.Organize files
The project files are getting messy. Can you organize them into a clear structure?
Group related files together. Don't change any functionality — just move and rename files logically.Add a new feature area
I want to add [feature area] to the project.
Create the necessary files and folders, following the existing patterns.Dependencies
Check what’s installed
What external dependencies does this project use?
Are there any we should add for [functionality]?Add a dependency
I need to add [capability] to the app.
What's the simplest way to do this? Prefer built-in APIs if possible.Environment Setup
Check requirements
What tools and dependencies does this project need to run?
List everything I need to install, and the commands to install them.Fix build issues
I'm trying to run this project but getting errors. Here's what I see:
[paste error output]
Can you fix the setup so it runs correctly?Git Setup
Initialize a repo
Set up git for this project:
- Initialize the repo
- Create a .gitignore with sensible defaults for [language/platform]
- Make an initial commit with the current filesCreate a .gitignore
Create a .gitignore file appropriate for a [Swift/JavaScript/web] project.
Include common patterns for build artifacts, dependencies, and OS files.Getting Oriented
New to a project
I'm new to this project. Give me a quick overview:
- What does it do?
- What's the main structure?
- Where would I look to [common task]?After a break
I haven't worked on this in a while.
Remind me: what state is it in? What was I working on last?Tips
- Always start with the simplest possible project structure
- Add complexity only when you need it
- The CLAUDE.md file is your most important setup step — it gives Claude context about your project
- For domain expertise beyond project context (design systems, accessibility, animation), add skill files to your project and reference them from your CLAUDE.md
- If you’re unsure what to ask for, describe what you want the end result to look like