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A single CLAUDE.md file to improve Claude Code behavior, derived from Andrej Karpathy's observations on LLM coding pitfalls.
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From Andrej's post:
"The models make wrong assumptions on your behalf and just run along with them without checking. They don't manage their confusion, don't seek clarifications, don't surface inconsistencies, don't present tradeoffs, don't push back when they should."
"They really like to overcomplicate code and APIs, bloat abstractions, don't clean up dead code... implement a bloated construction over 1000 lines when 100 would do."
"They still sometimes change/remove comments and code they don't sufficiently understand as side effects, even if orthogonal to the task."
Four principles in one file that directly address these issues:
| Principle | Addresses |
|---|---|
| Think Before Coding | Wrong assumptions, hidden confusion, missing tradeoffs |
| Simplicity First | Overcomplication, bloated abstractions |
| Surgical Changes | Orthogonal edits, touching code you shouldn't |
| Goal-Driven Execution | Leverage through tests-first, verifiable success criteria |
Don't assume. Don't hide confusion. Surface tradeoffs.
LLMs often pick an interpretation silently and run with it. This principle forces explicit reasoning:
- State assumptions explicitly — If uncertain, ask rather than guess
- Present multiple interpretations — Don't pick silently when ambiguity exists
- Push back when warranted — If a simpler approach exists, say so
- Stop when confused — Name what's unclear and ask for clarification
Minimum code that solves the problem. Nothing speculative.
Combat the tendency toward overengineering:
- No features beyond what was asked
- No abstractions for single-use code