Modular Instructions
An architecture pattern where CLAUDE.md delegates to domain-specific rule files instead of containing all instructions in a single monolithic file.
Modular instructions solve the scaling problem of a single CLAUDE.md file. At 300+ lines, a monolithic instruction file creates conflicts and makes updates risky. The modular pattern splits instructions into domain-specific rule files (finance-rules.md, newsletter-rules.md, steepworks-rules.md) that load conditionally based on file path. CLAUDE.md becomes an index and router rather than an encyclopedia. Rule files use paths: frontmatter to specify when they activate. This means finance rules only load when you touch finance files, keeping the context budget lean. The pattern reduced CLAUDE.md from 303 lines to 151 while increasing total instruction coverage.
Where it shows up:
Related Terms
Foundation
CLAUDE.md
The root instruction file that Claude Code reads at session start, containing your business context,...
Foundation
Rule File
A conditional instruction file that CLAUDE.md loads based on path patterns, scoping rules to specifi...
Architecture
Workstream Routing
Conditional context loading based on which domain you are working in, so Claude loads consulting con...
Architecture
Context Budget
A per-phase limit on how many files can be loaded into context simultaneously, preventing token exha...