CLAUDE.md vs MEMORY.md
Two persistence layers with different jobs
A clear comparison between repository-scoped collaboration instructions and persistent memory files intended to survive across future conversations.
CLAUDE.md is for the current project
It captures how this repo wants to be worked in: conventions, commands, architecture, and collaboration rules.
MEMORY.md is for future conversations
It indexes durable user, project, feedback, or reference facts that may matter later, beyond the current task or session.
If it only matters right now, it probably belongs in a plan or task
The memory system itself warns against using memory as a dumping ground for execution state.
Learn next
These guides are adjacent to the current topic and make the learning path easier to follow.
Claude Code vs Cursor
A systems-level comparison of two different AI coding product shapes
Compare Claude Code and Cursor through workflow boundaries, tool models, session behavior, and integration philosophy rather than vague feature checklists.
Context and Memory
How Claude Code builds working context and persistent memory
Understand the difference between session context, CLAUDE.md instructions, MEMORY.md indexing, and relevance-based memory recall.
MCP vs Built-in Tools
Choosing between native Claude Code capabilities and external capability layers
Built-in tools handle core local work; MCP expands Claude Code into connected systems, external resources, and organization-specific workflows.
Related resources
These directory entries connect the concept guide to concrete tools, docs, and integrations.
Next.js CLAUDE.md Template
Comprehensive CLAUDE.md for Next.js App Router projects
Production-ready CLAUDE.md template for Next.js projects using the App Router. Covers project structure, routing conventions, data fetching patterns, server components vs client components, and deployment to Vercel.
TypeScript Monorepo CLAUDE.md Template
CLAUDE.md for Turborepo/Nx monorepo projects
CLAUDE.md template designed for TypeScript monorepo projects using Turborepo or Nx. Covers workspace structure, shared packages, build pipelines, dependency management, and cross-package development patterns.
Memory MCP Server
Persistent memory and knowledge graph for Claude conversations
Official MCP server providing persistent memory capabilities. Store and retrieve information across conversations using a knowledge graph structure. Enables Claude to remember context, facts, and relationships between sessions.
Claude Code Best Practices
Community-driven best practices for Claude Code
Collection of best practices learned from real-world Claude Code usage. Covers CLAUDE.md optimization, effective prompting, workflow organization, and common pitfalls to avoid. Continuously updated by the community.