This document explains the mechanics of how CLAUDE.md files function in Claude Code, based on empirical testing and research.
- All CLAUDE.md files are refreshed between sessions - both root and directory-specific files pick up changes when resuming
- NOT refreshed during conversation - changes made during an active session aren't visible until a new conversation starts
- Resuming a session loads updated content - exiting and resuming Claude Code will pick up all CLAUDE.md changes