claudelint

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claude-md-import-circular ​

Circular import detected between Claude.md files

Warning

Rule Details ​

When CLAUDE.md files use @import directives to include other files, it is possible to create circular dependencies where file A imports file B, which imports file A again. This would cause infinite recursion during import resolution. This rule walks the full import tree, tracking each file in the chain. If a file appears twice in the same import path, a circular dependency is reported. The rule also detects self-imports where a file imports itself.

Incorrect ​

File A imports file B, which imports file A (circular)

markdown
# .claude/rules/api.md

API guidelines.

@import .claude/rules/auth.md

# .claude/rules/auth.md

Auth guidelines.

@import .claude/rules/api.md

A file that imports itself

markdown
# .claude/rules/style.md

Style guidelines.

@import .claude/rules/style.md

Correct ​

A linear import chain with no cycles

markdown
# CLAUDE.md

@import .claude/rules/api.md
@import .claude/rules/auth.md

How To Fix ​

Remove the import that creates the cycle. Reorganize shared content into a separate file that both files can import independently, or merge the circularly dependent files into a single file.

Options ​

This rule does not have any configuration options.

When Not To Use It ​

There is no reason to disable this rule. Circular imports always indicate a structural problem that should be resolved.

Resources ​

Version ​

Available since: v0.2.0