Modular File Organization

A project must contain at least 2 instruction files. Splitting instructions across multiple files keeps each file focused and prevents a single monolithic document from growing unwieldy.

Antipatterns

• Putting all instructions in a single CLAUDE.md with no scoped rule files -- the check requires a minimum of 2 instruction files in the project.
• Creating a second file that is empty or contains only a title -- the file count check counts files that exist, but the content may fail other rules.
• Placing all scoped rules in subdirectories but having no root instruction file -- the file_exists gate checks that the expected root file is present before counting.

Pass / Fail

Pass

CLAUDE.md              (main instruction file)
.claude/rules/testing.md   (scoped rule)
.claude/rules/style.md     (scoped rule)

Fail

CLAUDE.md              (single file, no other instruction files)

Limitations

Counts instruction files and enforces a minimum of 2. Does not evaluate whether the files are meaningfully different — two duplicate files would pass.