Lite is free. Pro adds the checks and the memory.
Adams anda CLAUDE.md file.
A CLAUDE.md file tells Claude Code what you want. Adams checks that it happened. For many projects, you want both.
As of October 2026. Product names belong to their owners.
// what a CLAUDE.md file offers
What it does
Fact we checkedCLAUDE.md files are instructions you write, loaded at the start of every session.
Fact we checkedClaude Code can also read a repository AGENTS.md file in place of CLAUDE.md.
Fact we checkedRules can be scoped to file types with a .claude/rules folder.
Fact we checkedAuto memory is a second system where Claude writes its own notes from your corrections.
Fact we checkedPer Anthropic documentation, both are context, not enforced configuration. To block an action, use a PreToolUse hook.
Where it is the better pickFor standing project guidance, a CLAUDE.md file is the right tool, it is free, built in and under your control. A short file of commands and rules already improves most projects. Start there. Adams does not replace it.
// side by side
Side by side
What it isa CLAUDE.md file Instructions in a file you writeAdams A plugin with ready made checks and commands
Is it enforceda CLAUDE.md file Context the model reads, not enforcedAdams Guards run and can stop a commit or git command (Lite)
Correctionsa CLAUDE.md file Written by you, or by auto memoryAdams Coach turns repeated corrections into rules (Pro)
Between sessionsa CLAUDE.md file Loaded each sessionAdams A handoff of done, open and decided (Pro)
Page and file checksa CLAUDE.md file Not part of the fileAdams Pages, PDFs, decks and documents (Pro)
Pricea CLAUDE.md file Free, part of Claude CodeAdams Lite free, Pro a yearly seat (see pricing)
// together
Using both
Using bothKeep a short CLAUDE.md for what the project is and how to run it. Add Adams for what must be checked: keys, git, pages and text. Where a rule must never fail, a check beats a sentence in a file.
// faq
Questions
Do I still need CLAUDE.md with Adams?
Yes. It holds your project facts and commands. Adams checks work against rules and does not replace your own description of the project.
Does Adams edit my CLAUDE.md?
No. Coach rules are kept separately on your machine.
Why not just add rules to the file?
You can. The file is context the model may or may not follow. A guard runs regardless.
Are these facts current?
They were read from Anthropic documentation in October 2026. Check the docs for later changes.
// related