Claude Code Project Manager
Manage and maintain Claude Code project configuration files. This skill provides three
invokable workflows for keeping your Claude Code setup optimized and in sync with your
project.
When to Use Each Command
| Command |
Use When |
/update-project |
Project changed (new stack, tools, conventions). User is unsure if CLAUDE.md/AGENTS.md need updates. |
/verify-project |
Want to validate entire .claude setup is correct and functional. Before major changes or periodically. |
/check |
Want to discover what could be improved. Looking for missing tools, MCPs, skills, or config gaps. |
Prerequisites
Before running any command, understand the current project state:
- Check if
.claude/ directory or CLAUDE.md exists in the project root
- Check if
AGENTS.md exists (may be imported by CLAUDE.md)
- Identify the project stack (language, framework, build tools) by examining:
package.json, Cargo.toml, pyproject.toml, go.mod, etc.
Dockerfile, docker-compose.yml, Makefile, justfile
- CI/CD configs (
.github/workflows/, .gitlab-ci.yml)
- Test runner configs (
vitest.config.*, jest.config.*, pytest.ini)
- Run
ls -la .claude/ or check for .claude/ directory structure
/update-project: Update CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md
Review the current project state and update documentation to reflect reality.
Workflow
- Read existing files: Read current
CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, and .claude/ contents
- Analyze project: Detect the actual stack, tools, commands, and conventions currently in use
- Identify gaps: Compare actual state vs documented state using the checklist in
references/update-project-checklist.md
- Update CLAUDE.md: Rewrite or patch to reflect current reality. Follow the template in
assets/claude-md-template.md
- Update AGENTS.md: If used, ensure it imports correctly and covers agent conventions
- Summarize changes: Report what changed and why
CLAUDE.md Best Practices (from code.claude.com/docs)
- Be comprehensive but concise. Every line should earn its place — prefer specific rules over vague ones, but do not omit important conventions just to stay short
- Target under 200 lines as a guideline. If you need more, use
.claude/rules/ for path-scoped instructions and @imports for detailed guides
- Load every session — only include broadly-applicable rules
- List all commands: build, test, lint, format, dev, db commands Claude should know
- Be specific: "Use 2-space indentation" not "Format code properly"
- Use @imports: Pull in README, package.json with
@README, @package.json
- Keep personal prefs in CLAUDE.local.md (gitignored, not committed)
- Use .claude/rules/ for path-scoped instructions that load only when needed
- Place at project root or
.claude/CLAUDE.md — both work
CLAUDE.md Required Sections
A high-quality CLAUDE.md should cover these categories. Adapt to the project's stack:
Commands (always include):
- Dev server, build, start (production)
- Test (once + watch mode if available)
- Lint, format (write + check modes)
- Type check
- Database commands (generate, migrate, seed, studio)
- Any other frequently-used scripts
Stack (always include):
- Language + version + strict mode status
- Framework + version + key features (e.g., App Router)
- Database / ORM
- Key libraries (validation, styling, testing)
- Build tool / bundler
Code Style:
- Indentation (spaces/tabs, count)
- Naming conventions (files, components, functions, variables)
- Import/export style (ES modules vs CommonJS, named vs default)
Rules (specific and verifiable):
- File organization (directory structure, test colocation)
- Component patterns (Server Components vs Client Components)
- API conventions (request/response shapes, error handling)
- Validation rules (input validation library, schemas)
- Git workflow (branch naming, commit style, pre-commit checks)
- Security rules (secrets handling, auth patterns)
Testing:
- Test runner and location
- Mocking policy (what to mock, what not to mock)
- Coverage expectations
AGENTS.md Notes
- Claude Code reads
CLAUDE.md, not AGENTS.md directly
- If AGENTS.md exists for other agents, import it from CLAUDE.md:
@AGENTS.md
- Add Claude-specific instructions after the import
- AGENTS.md is optional — only create if other tools need it too
What to Check
Read references/update-project-checklist.md for the full checklist.
/verify-project: End-to-End Verification
Run a comprehensive audit of the entire Claude Code project setup.
Workflow
- Read all config files:
.claude/, CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, .mcp.json, settings.json, settings.local.json
- Check file structure: Validate directory layout follows conventions
- Validate syntax: Ensure all markdown frontmatter, JSON, and configs parse correctly
- Check cross-references: Verify imports (
@file) point to existing files
- Verify hooks: Check hook scripts are executable and reference valid commands
- Test MCP connectivity: Verify
.mcp.json servers are accessible if possible
- Check skills: Verify
.claude/skills/*/SKILL.md files have valid frontmatter
- Check subagents: Verify
.claude/agents/*.md files have valid frontmatter
- Validate rules: Ensure
.claude/rules/*.md have proper globs and content
- Report findings: Output pass/fail for each check with specific issues
Read references/verify-project-checklist.md for the full checklist.
Common Issues to Flag
- CLAUDE.md > 200 lines without path-scoped rules
- Missing build/test/format commands in CLAUDE.md
@import references to non-existent files
- Subagents with duplicate
name fields
- Hooks referencing commands not in PATH
- skills without YAML frontmatter or missing
name/description
- AGENTS.md not imported in CLAUDE.md (if both exist)
/check: Discover Improvements
Audit the project setup and suggest improvements for tools, MCPs, skills, hooks, and configuration.
Workflow
- Analyze the project: Read package.json, README, Dockerfile, CI configs, source structure
- Check current .claude/ setup: List all existing configuration
- Identify gaps: Compare against the improvement categories in
references/check-improvements-guide.md
- Search for skills: If skill recommendations needed, use the
npx skills CLI (see Skill Discovery below)
- Propose improvements: Deliver prioritized, actionable recommendations
Improvement Categories
- CLAUDE.md quality: Length, specificity, command coverage, import usage
- Missing tools: Build, test, lint, format tools not documented
- MCP opportunities: External services (databases, APIs, cloud) that could benefit from MCP
- Skill gaps: Workflows that could be automated with skills
- Subagent opportunities: Tasks that would benefit from specialized subagents
- Hook opportunities: Automated actions (format-on-save, lint checks, notifications)
- Rules organization: Path-scoped rules for monorepos or multi-language projects
- Settings optimization: Permission modes, model selection, context management
Skill Discovery with npx skills CLI
Use the Skills CLI for all skill operations. Do NOT browse the website — use the terminal.
Key commands:
# Search for skills by keyword
npx skills find <keyword>
# Example: npx skills find react
# Example: npx skills find testing
# Interactive search (opens fzf-style picker, no arguments)
npx skills find
# List currently installed skills (project + global)
npx skills list
# List only globally installed skills
npx skills ls -g
# Check for skill updates
npx skills check
# Update all installed skills
npx skills update
# Install a skill
npx skills add <owner/repo>
# Example: npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills
# Install a specific skill from a multi-skill repo
npx skills add <owner/repo> --skill <skill-name>
# Remove a skill
npx skills remove <skill-name>
# Create a new skill scaffold
npx skills init <skill-name>
How to recommend skills in /check:
- Run
npx skills list to see what the user already has installed
- Identify gaps based on the project stack (e.g., React project missing React skills)
- Run
npx skills find <keyword> to search for relevant skills (e.g., npx skills find react)
- Verify quality: prefer 1K+ installs, official sources (
anthropics, vercel-labs, microsoft)
- Report: skill name, purpose, install command, why it fits
Common skills by category (use npx skills find <keyword> to discover):
- React/Next.js: Search
npx skills find react or npx skills find nextjs
- Testing: Search
npx skills find testing or npx skills find tdd
- Design: Search
npx skills find design or npx skills find frontend
- Code review: Search
npx skills find review
- Architecture: Search
npx skills find architecture
- Security: Search
npx skills find security
Output Format
Use this structure for /check results:
# Project Configuration Check: <project-name>
## Summary
<brief overview of current state and top 3 recommendations>
## Current Setup
<what exists today>
## Recommendations (prioritized)
### High Impact
1. **<recommendation>** - <why>
2. ...
### Medium Impact
1. ...
### Low Impact / Nice to Have
1. ...
## Missing Tools/Integrations
- <tool> - <purpose> - <how to add>
## Suggested Skills
- `<owner/repo>` - <purpose> - `npx skills add <owner/repo>`
## Quick Wins
<3 things to do right now for immediate improvement>
Managing Installed Skills
When the user needs to manage existing skills (list, update, remove):
# See all installed skills
npx skills list
# Check which skills have updates available
npx skills check
# Update everything
npx skills update
# Remove a skill no longer needed
npx skills remove <skill-name>
# Install skill globally (available in all projects)
npx skills add <owner/repo> -g
# Install skill to project only (committed to repo)
npx skills add <owner/repo>
Reference: .claude Directory Structure
project/
├── CLAUDE.md # or .claude/CLAUDE.md - main instructions
├── CLAUDE.local.md # personal prefs (gitignored)
├── AGENTS.md # shared agent instructions (imported by CLAUDE.md)
├── .mcp.json # MCP server configuration
├── .claude/
│ ├── CLAUDE.md # alternative location for main instructions
│ ├── settings.json # project-level settings
│ ├── settings.local.json # personal overrides (gitignored)
│ ├── .mcp.json # alternative MCP location
│ ├── hooks/ # hook scripts (optional)
│ ├── skills/ # custom skills
│ │ └── <skill-name>/
│ │ └── SKILL.md
│ ├── agents/ # custom subagents
│ │ └── <agent-name>.md
│ ├── workflows/ # dynamic workflow scripts (optional)
│ ├── commands/ # custom slash commands (optional)
│ ├── rules/ # path-scoped rules
│ │ └── <rule-name>.md
│ └── agent-memory/ # per-agent memory (auto-managed)
For full details, read references/claude-directory-structure.md.
Key Resources
1---2name: claude-code-project3description: Use this skill when the user wants to update their project's CLAUDE.md or AGENTS.md, verify their Claude Code setup, or check for improvements to their project configuration. Triggers on requests like: "update my project docs", "verify my claude setup", "check my project configuration", "audit my .claude directory", "improve my CLAUDE.md", "is my setup correct", "/update-project", "/verify-project", or "/check".4---5
6# Claude Code Project Manager
7
8Manage and maintain Claude Code project configuration files. This skill provides three
9invokable workflows for keeping your Claude Code setup optimized and in sync with your
10project.
11
12## When to Use Each Command
13
14| Command | Use When |
15|---------|----------|
16| `/update-project` | Project changed (new stack, tools, conventions). User is unsure if CLAUDE.md/AGENTS.md need updates. |
17| `/verify-project` | Want to validate entire .claude setup is correct and functional. Before major changes or periodically. |
18| `/check` | Want to discover what could be improved. Looking for missing tools, MCPs, skills, or config gaps. |
19
20## Prerequisites
21
22Before running any command, understand the current project state:
23
241. Check if `.claude/` directory or `CLAUDE.md` exists in the project root
252. Check if `AGENTS.md` exists (may be imported by CLAUDE.md)
263. Identify the project stack (language, framework, build tools) by examining:
27 - `package.json`, `Cargo.toml`, `pyproject.toml`, `go.mod`, etc.
28 - `Dockerfile`, `docker-compose.yml`, `Makefile`, `justfile`
29 - CI/CD configs (`.github/workflows/`, `.gitlab-ci.yml`)
30 - Test runner configs (`vitest.config.*`, `jest.config.*`, `pytest.ini`)
314. Run `ls -la .claude/` or check for `.claude/` directory structure
32
33## `/update-project`: Update CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md
34
35Review the current project state and update documentation to reflect reality.
36
37### Workflow
38
391. **Read existing files**: Read current `CLAUDE.md`, `AGENTS.md`, and `.claude/` contents
402. **Analyze project**: Detect the actual stack, tools, commands, and conventions currently in use
413. **Identify gaps**: Compare actual state vs documented state using the checklist in `references/update-project-checklist.md`
424. **Update CLAUDE.md**: Rewrite or patch to reflect current reality. Follow the template in `assets/claude-md-template.md`
435. **Update AGENTS.md**: If used, ensure it imports correctly and covers agent conventions
446. **Summarize changes**: Report what changed and why
45
46### CLAUDE.md Best Practices (from code.claude.com/docs)
47
48- **Be comprehensive but concise**. Every line should earn its place — prefer specific rules over vague ones, but do not omit important conventions just to stay short
49- **Target under 200 lines** as a guideline. If you need more, use `.claude/rules/` for path-scoped instructions and `@imports` for detailed guides
50- **Load every session** — only include broadly-applicable rules
51- **List all commands**: build, test, lint, format, dev, db commands Claude should know
52- **Be specific**: "Use 2-space indentation" not "Format code properly"
53- **Use @imports**: Pull in README, package.json with `@README`, `@package.json`
54- **Keep personal prefs in CLAUDE.local.md** (gitignored, not committed)
55- **Use .claude/rules/** for path-scoped instructions that load only when needed
56- **Place at project root** or `.claude/CLAUDE.md` — both work
57
58### CLAUDE.md Required Sections
59
60A high-quality CLAUDE.md should cover these categories. Adapt to the project's stack:
61
62**Commands** (always include):
63- Dev server, build, start (production)
64- Test (once + watch mode if available)
65- Lint, format (write + check modes)
66- Type check
67- Database commands (generate, migrate, seed, studio)
68- Any other frequently-used scripts
69
70**Stack** (always include):
71- Language + version + strict mode status
72- Framework + version + key features (e.g., App Router)
73- Database / ORM
74- Key libraries (validation, styling, testing)
75- Build tool / bundler
76
77**Code Style**:
78- Indentation (spaces/tabs, count)
79- Naming conventions (files, components, functions, variables)
80- Import/export style (ES modules vs CommonJS, named vs default)
81
82**Rules** (specific and verifiable):
83- File organization (directory structure, test colocation)
84- Component patterns (Server Components vs Client Components)
85- API conventions (request/response shapes, error handling)
86- Validation rules (input validation library, schemas)
87- Git workflow (branch naming, commit style, pre-commit checks)
88- Security rules (secrets handling, auth patterns)
89
90**Testing**:
91- Test runner and location
92- Mocking policy (what to mock, what not to mock)
93- Coverage expectations
94
95### AGENTS.md Notes
96
97- Claude Code reads `CLAUDE.md`, not `AGENTS.md` directly
98- If AGENTS.md exists for other agents, import it from CLAUDE.md: `@AGENTS.md`
99- Add Claude-specific instructions after the import
100- AGENTS.md is optional — only create if other tools need it too
101
102### What to Check
103
104Read `references/update-project-checklist.md` for the full checklist.
105
106## `/verify-project`: End-to-End Verification
107
108Run a comprehensive audit of the entire Claude Code project setup.
109
110### Workflow
111
1121. **Read all config files**: `.claude/`, `CLAUDE.md`, `AGENTS.md`, `.mcp.json`, `settings.json`, `settings.local.json`
1132. **Check file structure**: Validate directory layout follows conventions
1143. **Validate syntax**: Ensure all markdown frontmatter, JSON, and configs parse correctly
1154. **Check cross-references**: Verify imports (`@file`) point to existing files
1165. **Verify hooks**: Check hook scripts are executable and reference valid commands
1176. **Test MCP connectivity**: Verify `.mcp.json` servers are accessible if possible
1187. **Check skills**: Verify `.claude/skills/*/SKILL.md` files have valid frontmatter
1198. **Check subagents**: Verify `.claude/agents/*.md` files have valid frontmatter
1209. **Validate rules**: Ensure `.claude/rules/*.md` have proper globs and content
12110. **Report findings**: Output pass/fail for each check with specific issues
122
123Read `references/verify-project-checklist.md` for the full checklist.
124
125### Common Issues to Flag
126
127- CLAUDE.md > 200 lines without path-scoped rules
128- Missing build/test/format commands in CLAUDE.md
129- `@import` references to non-existent files
130- Subagents with duplicate `name` fields
131- Hooks referencing commands not in PATH
132- skills without YAML frontmatter or missing `name`/`description`
133- AGENTS.md not imported in CLAUDE.md (if both exist)
134
135## `/check`: Discover Improvements
136
137Audit the project setup and suggest improvements for tools, MCPs, skills, hooks, and configuration.
138
139### Workflow
140
1411. **Analyze the project**: Read package.json, README, Dockerfile, CI configs, source structure
1422. **Check current .claude/ setup**: List all existing configuration
1433. **Identify gaps**: Compare against the improvement categories in `references/check-improvements-guide.md`
1444. **Search for skills**: If skill recommendations needed, use the `npx skills` CLI (see Skill Discovery below)
1455. **Propose improvements**: Deliver prioritized, actionable recommendations
146
147### Improvement Categories
148
1491. **CLAUDE.md quality**: Length, specificity, command coverage, import usage
1502. **Missing tools**: Build, test, lint, format tools not documented
1513. **MCP opportunities**: External services (databases, APIs, cloud) that could benefit from MCP
1524. **Skill gaps**: Workflows that could be automated with skills
1535. **Subagent opportunities**: Tasks that would benefit from specialized subagents
1546. **Hook opportunities**: Automated actions (format-on-save, lint checks, notifications)
1557. **Rules organization**: Path-scoped rules for monorepos or multi-language projects
1568. **Settings optimization**: Permission modes, model selection, context management
157
158### Skill Discovery with `npx skills` CLI
159
160Use the Skills CLI for all skill operations. Do NOT browse the website — use the terminal.
161
162**Key commands:**
163
164```bash
165# Search for skills by keyword
166npx skills find <keyword>
167# Example: npx skills find react
168# Example: npx skills find testing
169
170# Interactive search (opens fzf-style picker, no arguments)
171npx skills find
172
173# List currently installed skills (project + global)
174npx skills list
175
176# List only globally installed skills
177npx skills ls -g
178
179# Check for skill updates
180npx skills check
181
182# Update all installed skills
183npx skills update
184
185# Install a skill
186npx skills add <owner/repo>
187# Example: npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills
188
189# Install a specific skill from a multi-skill repo
190npx skills add <owner/repo> --skill <skill-name>
191
192# Remove a skill
193npx skills remove <skill-name>
194
195# Create a new skill scaffold
196npx skills init <skill-name>
197```
198
199**How to recommend skills in `/check`:**
200
2011. Run `npx skills list` to see what the user already has installed
2022. Identify gaps based on the project stack (e.g., React project missing React skills)
2033. Run `npx skills find <keyword>` to search for relevant skills (e.g., `npx skills find react`)
2044. Verify quality: prefer 1K+ installs, official sources (`anthropics`, `vercel-labs`, `microsoft`)
2055. Report: skill name, purpose, install command, why it fits
206
207**Common skills by category** (use `npx skills find <keyword>` to discover):
208- **React/Next.js**: Search `npx skills find react` or `npx skills find nextjs`
209- **Testing**: Search `npx skills find testing` or `npx skills find tdd`
210- **Design**: Search `npx skills find design` or `npx skills find frontend`
211- **Code review**: Search `npx skills find review`
212- **Architecture**: Search `npx skills find architecture`
213- **Security**: Search `npx skills find security`
214
215### Output Format
216
217Use this structure for `/check` results:
218
219```markdown
220# Project Configuration Check: <project-name>
221
222## Summary
223<brief overview of current state and top 3 recommendations>
224
225## Current Setup
226<what exists today>
227
228## Recommendations (prioritized)
229### High Impact
2301. **<recommendation>** - <why>
2312. ...
232
233### Medium Impact
2341. ...
235
236### Low Impact / Nice to Have
2371. ...
238
239## Missing Tools/Integrations
240- <tool> - <purpose> - <how to add>
241
242## Suggested Skills
243- `<owner/repo>` - <purpose> - `npx skills add <owner/repo>`
244
245## Quick Wins
246<3 things to do right now for immediate improvement>
247```
248
249## Managing Installed Skills
250
251When the user needs to manage existing skills (list, update, remove):
252
253```bash
254# See all installed skills
255npx skills list
256
257# Check which skills have updates available
258npx skills check
259
260# Update everything
261npx skills update
262
263# Remove a skill no longer needed
264npx skills remove <skill-name>
265
266# Install skill globally (available in all projects)
267npx skills add <owner/repo> -g
268
269# Install skill to project only (committed to repo)
270npx skills add <owner/repo>
271```
272
273## Reference: .claude Directory Structure
274
275```
276project/
277├── CLAUDE.md # or .claude/CLAUDE.md - main instructions
278├── CLAUDE.local.md # personal prefs (gitignored)
279├── AGENTS.md # shared agent instructions (imported by CLAUDE.md)
280├── .mcp.json # MCP server configuration
281├── .claude/
282│ ├── CLAUDE.md # alternative location for main instructions
283│ ├── settings.json # project-level settings
284│ ├── settings.local.json # personal overrides (gitignored)
285│ ├── .mcp.json # alternative MCP location
286│ ├── hooks/ # hook scripts (optional)
287│ ├── skills/ # custom skills
288│ │ └── <skill-name>/
289│ │ └── SKILL.md
290│ ├── agents/ # custom subagents
291│ │ └── <agent-name>.md
292│ ├── workflows/ # dynamic workflow scripts (optional)
293│ ├── commands/ # custom slash commands (optional)
294│ ├── rules/ # path-scoped rules
295│ │ └── <rule-name>.md
296│ └── agent-memory/ # per-agent memory (auto-managed)
297```
298
299For full details, read `references/claude-directory-structure.md`.
300
301## Key Resources
302
303- Claude Code docs: https://code.claude.com/docs
304- Skills CLI: `npx skills --help`
305- Skills directory: https://www.skills.sh/
306- Documentation index: https://code.claude.com/docs/llms.txt