Claude Config Levels

Claude Config Levels in Dotfiles

This dotfiles repo has two Claude Code config locations with different purposes.

The Two Levels

Decision Guide

Goes in claude/ (global):

• Communication preferences
• Work style (ADHD, collaboration style)
• Commit message format and types
• API lookup rules
• Anything that applies to all your projects

Goes in .claude/ (project-local):

• Dotfiles-specific conventions (file naming, scopes table)
• Commands like /audit
• Rules scoped to specific dotfiles (e.g., git-dashboard rule)
• Anything specific to managing dotfiles

When Ambiguous, Ask

If the user asks to add a rule and the level isn't clear, ask:

"Should this rule apply globally (all projects) or just to dotfiles?"

Examples of ambiguous requests:

• "Add a rule about X" - which level?
• "Create a command for Y" - global or local?
• "Remember that I prefer Z" - sounds global, but confirm

File Structure

dotfiles/
├── claude/                    # → ~/.claude/ (GLOBAL)
│   ├── CLAUDE.md             # Global rules
│   └── rules/                # Global file-scoped rules
│       └── *.md
│
└── .claude/                   # PROJECT-LOCAL
    ├── CLAUDE.md             # Dotfiles-specific rules
    ├── commands/
    │   └── audit.md          # /audit command
    ├── rules/
    │   └── git-dashboard.md  # Scoped to fish/git-dashboard.fish
    └── skills/
        └── claude-config-levels/  # This skill