Claude Code Context Minimization Workflow

1. Root directory only contains a minimal skeleton (four-dimensional contract): write only the system's goal, file map, hard rules for allowed/prohibited actions, and the workflow to complete tasks. Never pile up specific code. 2. Push business context down to subdirectories: Claude automatically reads independent memory in subdirectories. Create local CLAUDE.md files under src/api and persistence directories so the model reads the relevant manual only when entering that module. 3. Encapsulate workflows into .claude/skills: code review, refactoring, release processes should not be re-typed verbally each time; solidify them into reusable skills, use and discard. 4. Hand hard guardrails to .claude/hooks: force automated checks before critical changes; non-compliant code gets rejected at the code level, never relying on the model's self-discipline. Principle: subtract from prompts, add to engineering structure. Keep context minimal and precise so the model can perform at its best in your codebase.