claude-md-file-not-found

Specified CLAUDE.md file path does not exist

Error

Rule Details

This rule verifies that the CLAUDE.md file targeted for linting actually exists on disk. Without a CLAUDE.md file, Claude Code has no project-level instructions to load, which means the AI assistant operates without any custom guidance. This is the most fundamental check: if the file is missing, no other rules can run against it.

Incorrect

Running claudelint when CLAUDE.md does not exist

$ claudelint
Error: File not found: /path/to/project/CLAUDE.md

Correct

A project with a CLAUDE.md file present at the root

# CLAUDE.md

Project instructions for Claude Code.

How To Fix

Create a CLAUDE.md file at the project root (or at the path specified in your configuration). Add project-specific instructions that guide Claude Code behavior.

Options

This rule does not have any configuration options.

When Not To Use It

Disable this rule only if you are intentionally running claudelint against a path that may not yet have a CLAUDE.md file, such as during project scaffolding.

Related Rules

• claude-md-import-missing
• claude-md-file-reference-invalid

Resources

• Rule Implementation
• Rule Tests

Version

Available since: v0.2.0