Phase 5: Context Engineering · 30 min · Cursor · Claude Code
Writing a Context File
A context file is the single most powerful context tool. It gives the AI everything it needs in one place — automatically.
Hiring signal: What changes when you use this: the AI builds with your project's conventions from the first message — which means fewer corrections and more consistent results.
What you will learn
- Understand what a context file is and why it's the most powerful context tool
- Write a context file using the template: project overview, tech stack, file structure, conventions, current state
- Know where to put context files for different tools
- Update the context file as the project evolves
Your Mission
Write a context file for a project, deploy it to the right location, and test that the AI follows your conventions from the first message. Output: context_file.md.
You need: A project you're building with AI (any tool).
Time: 25 minutes.
Step 1: Learn the Context File Template (5 min)
A context file is a markdown file the AI reads automatically. Different tools use different locations:
- Cursor:
.cursor/rules or .cursorrules in project root - Claude Code:
CLAUDE.md in project root - Browser builders: Paste as your first message in every new chat
Template:
# Project Context
Unlock the full lesson
You've read the first 2 sections. The rest of this lesson covers Overview, Tech Stack, File Structure, Conventions, Current State, Do NOT, Step 2: Write Your Context File (10 min), Overview, Tech Stack, File Structure, Conventions, Current State, Do NOT, Step 3: Deploy the Context File (2 min), Step 4: Test It (5 min), Test Result, Step 5: Update (3 min), Updates Made, You're Done — plus a hands-on lab, quiz, and project artifact.
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