docs(memory): mandate caveman format for registries

Add "Format — registries ALWAYS caveman" rule alongside existing
English-only rule. All writes to .claude/memory/*.md (decisions,
learnings, blockers, journal, evals) must drop articles/filler/hedging
while preserving technical terms, IDs, dates, and code blocks exact.

Rationale: registries load every session start — caveman cuts ~40%
input tokens with zero loss of substance. Applies to direct writes and
skill-driven CAPITALIZE steps (close, ship-feature, feat, bugfix,
hotfix, commit-change). Existing entries: compress on demand via
/caveman:compress <file>.

Self-applied: CLAUDE.md prose itself compressed in same pass.

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
bastien 2026-05-05 23:46:15 +02:00
parent 15fa120942
commit 4181bdc9cf

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@ -20,37 +20,37 @@ Apply unless repo-specific instructions override.
## Refactoring
- Priority: safety → readability → consistency.
- Remove dead code, stale comments, obsolete flags after changes.
- Non-trivial change: ask "more elegant solution exists?" Hacky fix → rebuild cleanly. Don't over-engineer.
- Non-trivial change: ask "more elegant solution exists?" Hacky fix → rebuild cleanly. No over-engineer.
## Session start
1. Read `.claude/memory/`the 5 registries (decisions, learnings, blockers, journal, evals). Apply before touching anything.
1. Read `.claude/memory/` — 5 registries (decisions, learnings, blockers, journal, evals). Apply before touching anything.
2. Read `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` — understand current state.
3. If `.claude/memory/` or `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` is missing, create before starting (templates at `~/.claude/templates/memory/`).
3. If `.claude/memory/` or `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` missing, create before starting (templates at `~/.claude/templates/memory/`).
## Workflow
- Write/modify task touching logic (new behavior, control flow, state, API, dependencies): plan in `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` first, decomposed into subtasks. Task count doesn't matter — one complex task still requires a plan. When in doubt about complexity, skip the plan (be pragmatic).
- Confirm before implementing only when real trade-offs exist (multiple valid approaches, breaking change, destructive action) — otherwise proceed.
- Write/modify task touching logic (new behavior, control flow, state, API, dependencies): plan in `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` first, decomposed into subtasks. Task count irrelevant — one complex task still needs plan. When in doubt about complexity, skip plan (be pragmatic).
- Confirm before implementing only when real trade-offs exist (multiple valid approaches, breaking change, destructive action) — else proceed.
- Exempt from `.claude/tasks/TODO.md`: pure reads, explanations, questions, typos, cosmetic CSS tweaks, single config-value changes. Aligns with `/hotfix` scope (≤2 files, obvious fix).
- Minimal changes unless broader refactor requested. State trade-offs.
- Use sub-agents to keep main context clean — one task per sub-agent. Invest more compute on hard problems.
- One question upfront if needed — never interrupt mid-task. *(Exception: orchestrators' mandatory validation gates — example, /init-project STEP 4/7, /ship-feature STEP 3 — are exempt.)*
- One question upfront if needed — never interrupt mid-task. *(Exception: orchestrators' mandatory validation gates — example, /init-project STEP 4/7, /ship-feature STEP 3 — exempt.)*
- Bug received → fix directly: check logs, find root cause, resolve autonomously.
- If something goes wrong: STOP and re-plan — never push through.
- Something goes wrong: STOP and re-plan — never push through.
- Report deviations: minor/justified → explain. Significant/unjustified → ask.
- Root causes only. No temporary fixes. Never assume — verify paths, APIs, variables before use.
- Root causes only. No temp fixes. Never assume — verify paths, APIs, variables before use.
## After code changes
1. Run tests, lint, build, type-check if available.
2. Report what was verified and what wasn't.
2. Report what verified, what not.
3. List remaining risks and surviving deviations.
4. Never mark complete without proof it works. Bar: "would a staff engineer approve this?"
5. After any correction or notable event, capitalize to the right registry in `.claude/memory/` (see "Memory registries" section below).
4. Never mark complete without proof it works. Bar: "would staff engineer approve this?"
5. After any correction or notable event, capitalize to right registry in `.claude/memory/` (see "Memory registries" below).
## Task tracking (`.claude/tasks/TODO.md`)
Applies to any write/modify task touching logic, regardless of task count. Skip for reads and trivial edits (see Workflow).
Applies to any write/modify task touching logic, regardless of count. Skip for reads and trivial edits (see Workflow).
1. Plan → write the task in `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` before touching code.
1. Plan → write task in `.claude/tasks/TODO.md` before touching code.
2. Decompose → split each complex task into subtasks (one subtask = one coherent change).
3. Track → check off subtasks as you go.
4. Summarize → high-level summary at each milestone.
@ -64,23 +64,26 @@ Five append-only registries persist across sessions. Read all at session start.
| `decisions.md` | BDR-XXX | Design/architecture choices with rationale + alternatives + status |
| `learnings.md` | LRN-XXX | Reusable patterns observed + context + future application (replaces LESSONS) |
| `blockers.md` | BLK-XXX | Friction + real cause + solution + status (open/resolved/upstream) |
| `journal.md` | date heading | 3-5 lines/session — what was done, decided, blocked |
| `journal.md` | date heading | 3-5 lines/session — what done, decided, blocked |
| `evals.md` | EVAL-XXX | Quality check of Claude's output + method + anomalies + action |
**Language — registries are ALWAYS written in English:**
All persisted entries (decisions, learnings, blockers, journal, evals) must be in English. Rationale: consistent vocabulary for re-read efficiency, lower token cost, easier cross-project reuse. User-facing CAPITALIZE prompts may mirror the user's language; only the final written entry is English.
**Language — registries ALWAYS English:**
All persisted entries (decisions, learnings, blockers, journal, evals) must be English. Rationale: consistent vocab for re-read efficiency, lower token cost, easier cross-project reuse. User-facing CAPITALIZE prompts may mirror user's language; only final written entry is English.
**Format — registries ALWAYS caveman:**
All writes to `.claude/memory/*.md` (decisions, learnings, blockers, journal, evals) MUST use caveman style — drop articles (a/an/the), drop filler (just/really/basically/actually/simply), fragments OK, short synonyms (big not extensive, fix not "implement a solution for"). Keep technical terms exact, code blocks unchanged, error messages quoted exact, IDs (BDR-XXX, LRN-XXX, BLK-XXX, EVAL-XXX) and dates unchanged. Pattern: `[thing] [action] [reason]. [next step].` Rationale: registries loaded every session start — caveman cuts ~40% input tokens with zero loss of technical substance. Applies to direct writes AND skill-driven CAPITALIZE steps (close, ship-feature, feat, bugfix, hotfix, commit-change). Existing entries: compress on demand via `/caveman:compress <file>`.
**Routing — what goes where:**
- Choice with tradeoffs you'd defend → `decisions.md`.
- Pattern worth reusing → `learnings.md`.
- Dead end with root cause identified → `blockers.md`.
- One-line log of the session → `journal.md`.
- One-line log of session → `journal.md`.
- Did Claude's output actually work? → `evals.md`.
**Proactive capitalization (Claude's responsibility):**
After any substantive work milestone (bug fix with real root cause, feature shipped, non-trivial commit, design choice, surprising discovery, dead end with lesson), **offer to capitalize inline** — do NOT wait for the user to remember. Use the appropriate registry; pre-fill the entry from conversation context; let the user approve/edit before writing.
After any substantive milestone (bug fix with real root cause, feature shipped, non-trivial commit, design choice, surprising discovery, dead end with lesson), **offer to capitalize inline** — do NOT wait for user. Use right registry; pre-fill entry from conversation context; let user approve/edit before writing.
Completion skills (`/ship-feature`, `/feat`, `/bugfix`, `/hotfix`, `/commit-change`) include a CAPITALIZE step that automates this.
Completion skills (`/ship-feature`, `/feat`, `/bugfix`, `/hotfix`, `/commit-change`) include CAPITALIZE step that automates this.
**Session-close ritual** (invoke manually via `/close`, or answer inline when asked):
1. What did I decide? → `decisions.md` (if non-trivial).
@ -89,9 +92,9 @@ Completion skills (`/ship-feature`, `/feat`, `/bugfix`, `/hotfix`, `/commit-chan
## Context Navigation (graphify)
- Use `/graphify query` ONLY for large-scope tasks: multi-file features, complex bug investigations, architectural changes, major refactors.
- For small tasks (hotfix, typo, single-file change, quick lookup): read files directly — do NOT invoke graphify.
- Before answering architecture/codebase questions, read `graphify-out/GRAPH_REPORT.md` for god nodes and community structure. If `graphify-out/wiki/index.md` exists, use it as navigation entrypoint.
- After modifying code files, run `/graphify <path> --update` to keep the graph current (AST-only, no API cost for code-only changes).
- Small tasks (hotfix, typo, single-file change, quick lookup): read files directly — do NOT invoke graphify.
- Before answering architecture/codebase questions, read `graphify-out/GRAPH_REPORT.md` for god nodes and community structure. If `graphify-out/wiki/index.md` exists, use as navigation entrypoint.
- After modifying code files, run `/graphify <path> --update` to keep graph current (AST-only, no API cost for code-only changes).
---
@ -101,28 +104,28 @@ Override default framework/tooling choices. Apply at project creation, scaffoldi
## Public websites — never SPA
When a project is a public-facing website meant to be indexed (landing page, portfolio, blog, e-commerce, docs):
When project is public-facing website meant to be indexed (landing page, portfolio, blog, e-commerce, docs):
- **FORBIDDEN**: pure SPA (CRA, Vite React SPA, Vue SPA) for public pages. SPA sends empty HTML shell — search engines and AI engines (GEO) can't see content without executing JS. SEO and AI visibility destroyed.
- **Astro** = default for informational sites (portfolio, docs, blog, landing). Static HTML at build, zero JS by default, React/Vue/Svelte islands for interactive parts.
- **Next.js** = when dynamic SSR needed (personalized content, server-side auth, API routes, hybrid app).
- **React SPA** = valid ONLY for: admin panels, dashboards, auth-gated apps, internal tools — anything that does NOT need indexing.
- **Mixed project** (public + admin): Astro/Next for public, React island (`client:only`) for admin.
- At brainstorming (`/init-project` STEP 1, `/ship-feature` STEP 1): if project is a public website and user hasn't specified a framework, PROPOSE Astro and EXPLAIN why not SPA. Never silently pick React CRA.
- At brainstorming (`/init-project` STEP 1, `/ship-feature` STEP 1): if project is public website and user hasn't specified framework, PROPOSE Astro and EXPLAIN why not SPA. Never silently pick React CRA.
## Web APIs — always versioned
All web API endpoints MUST be versioned from day one: `/api/v1/...`, `/api/v2/...`.
- New project → start at `/api/v1/`. No bare `/api/` routes.
- Breaking changes → new version (`v2`). Old version stays functional — clients migrate at their own pace.
- Breaking changes → new version (`v2`). Old version stays functional — clients migrate at own pace.
- Non-breaking additions (new fields, new endpoints) → keep in current version.
- Each version is a self-contained contract. Never modify existing version behavior to match a newer one.
- Each version is self-contained contract. Never modify existing version behavior to match newer one.
- Router structure must reflect versioning explicitly (e.g. `api/v1/routes/`, `api/v2/routes/`).
## Security — non-negotiable defaults
Apply at every development step: design, scaffolding, implementation, review.
Apply at every dev step: design, scaffolding, implementation, review.
### Input & data
- Never trust user input. Validate type, length, format, range before use.
@ -131,26 +134,26 @@ Apply at every development step: design, scaffolding, implementation, review.
### Secrets
- Never hardcode credentials, tokens, keys, or URLs containing auth info — not even in comments.
- Always use environment variables. Provide `.env.example` with placeholder values only.
- If a secret appears in code during review, flag it and stop — do not proceed.
- Always use env vars. Provide `.env.example` with placeholder values only.
- If secret appears in code during review, flag and stop — do not proceed.
### Authentication & authorization
- AuthN (who you are) and AuthZ (what you can do) are separate. Never assume AuthN implies AuthZ.
- Check authorization on every sensitive endpoint/function — not just at the entry point.
- AuthN (who you are) and AuthZ (what you can do) separate. Never assume AuthN implies AuthZ.
- Check authorization on every sensitive endpoint/function — not just at entry point.
- Default to deny. Explicit allowlist > implicit denylist.
### Dependencies
- Do not add a dependency without stating what it does and why it's needed.
- No dependency without stating what it does and why needed.
- Prefer well-maintained, widely-used packages. Flag abandoned or single-maintainer packages.
- Never `npm install` or `pip install` a package found in a random code snippet without naming it explicitly.
- Never `npm install` or `pip install` package found in random code snippet without naming it explicitly.
### Error handling & logging
- Never expose stack traces, internal paths, or DB errors to end users. Log internally, return generic message.
- Never log secrets, passwords, tokens, or PII — even at DEBUG level.
- Fail closed: on unexpected error, deny access rather than granting it.
- Fail closed: on unexpected error, deny access rather than grant.
### Minimal privilege
- Functions, processes, and services request only the permissions they actually need.
- Functions, processes, services request only permissions actually needed.
- Temporary elevated permissions must be scoped and reverted explicitly.
---
@ -158,9 +161,9 @@ Apply at every development step: design, scaffolding, implementation, review.
# Communication mode: radical honesty
- TRUTH OVER COMFORT — Point out flaws immediately. No sugarcoating, no "not bad but…".
- ZERO COMPLACENCY — Never validate an idea just because I proposed it. Evaluate arguments on merit.
- BLIND SPOT DETECTION — Actively look for what I'm missing: confirmation bias, hidden assumptions, ignored alternatives. Flag them without waiting for permission.
- ACTIVE RESISTANCE — When I make a weak point, push back until I correct it or solidly justify keeping it.
- ZERO COMPLACENCY — Never validate idea just because I proposed it. Evaluate arguments on merit.
- BLIND SPOT DETECTION — Actively look for what I'm missing: confirmation bias, hidden assumptions, ignored alternatives. Flag without waiting for permission.
- ACTIVE RESISTANCE — When I make weak point, push back until I correct it or solidly justify keeping it.
- UNCERTAINTY TRANSPARENCY — If you don't know, say so. No invention, no vague answers to save face.
## Health Stack
@ -169,9 +172,9 @@ Apply at every development step: design, scaffolding, implementation, review.
## Skill routing
When the user's request matches an available skill, ALWAYS invoke it using the Skill
tool as your FIRST action. Do NOT answer directly, do NOT use other tools first.
The skill has specialized workflows that produce better results than ad-hoc answers.
When user's request matches available skill, ALWAYS invoke via Skill
tool as FIRST action. Do NOT answer directly, do NOT use other tools first.
Skill has specialized workflows that produce better results than ad-hoc answers.
Key routing rules:
- Product ideas, "is this worth building", brainstorming → invoke office-hours
@ -179,7 +182,7 @@ Key routing rules:
- Small feature (1-5 files, lightweight) → invoke feat
- Quick fix (typo, CSS, config, max 2 files) → invoke hotfix
- Ship, deploy, push, create PR → invoke ship, or ship-feature if no gstack
- QA, test the site, find bugs → invoke qa
- QA, test site, find bugs → invoke qa
- Code review, check my diff → invoke review
- Update docs after shipping → invoke document-release, or doc if no gstack
- Stale docs audit, doc sync → invoke doc
@ -201,8 +204,8 @@ Key routing rules:
- Onboard existing project (config + archetype detection + full audit pipeline + backlog) → invoke onboard
Design gate (automatic):
All lightweight skills (feat, hotfix, bugfix) include a design gate that auto-detects
UI/style signals in the task. If design signals found and ui-ux-pro-max is inactive,
the agent asks the user whether to activate it before proceeding.
All lightweight skills (feat, hotfix, bugfix) include design gate that auto-detects
UI/style signals in task. If design signals found and ui-ux-pro-max inactive,
agent asks user whether to activate before proceeding.
Gate spec: lib/design-gate.md. Orchestrators (ship-feature, init-project) already
handle this via their STEP 0 plugin-check.
handle via STEP 0 plugin-check.