Context Engineering
The real skill isn't prompting—it's architecting what AI knows before it reasons.
Most AI tutorials focus on crafting better prompts. But prompts are just one input to the AI's reasoning process. Context Engineering is the discipline of architecting the entire informational environment where understanding emerges.
“The prompt is the question. The context is the classroom.”
You Don't Need to Code to Start
I didn't start as a developer. The first two levels—CLAUDE.md files and Skills—are just text. No programming required. You can get significant value before writing a single line of code.
The progression is designed to scaffold upward. Start where you're comfortable.
The Learning Ladder
Build your Context Engineering skills progressively. Each level builds on the previous:
1. CLAUDE.md Files
Start here. Just a text file that gives Claude persistent memory about your project.
2. Skills
Reusable prompt modules that encode your expertise into callable workflows.
3. Hooks
Event-based automation that runs on session start, prompt submit, or tool use.
4. Archetypes
Work mode bundles that compose skills and hooks for different project types.
The Three Pillars
System Prompts
Persistent instructions that shape AI behavior across an entire session or project.
- • CLAUDE.md files - Project context and memory
- • Role definitions - Expert personas and constraints
- • Output formats - Structured response patterns
Tools & MCP
External capabilities that extend what AI can perceive and do in the world.
- • Model Context Protocol - Standardized tool integration
- • File operations - Read, write, search codebases
- • External APIs - Web, databases, services
Conversation Design
The flow of information that shapes how understanding develops over time.
- • Information sequence - What to reveal when
- • Feedback loops - Iterative refinement patterns
- • Context windows - Managing what AI remembers
Why Context Engineering Matters
Consistency Over Cleverness
A well-engineered context produces reliable results with simple prompts. You don't need prompt wizardry when the AI already understands your world.
Compounding Knowledge
Context engineering creates reusable assets. A good CLAUDE.md file saves hours across hundreds of future interactions.
Trust Through Structure
Clear constraints and patterns build trust. When the AI knows its boundaries, you can give it more autonomy with confidence.
From Tools to Colleagues
Context engineering is the bridge from “AI as tool” to “AI as capable colleague.” It's how you onboard an AI the way you'd onboard a team member.
Practical Applications
See Context Engineering in action with real workflows:
Ready to Start?
Begin with CLAUDE.md files. No code required. Just a text file that transforms how Claude understands your projects.
Start with CLAUDE.md →