A starter template for building your own knowledge base to use with Claude Code, optimized for Extreme Programming (XP) and Domain-Driven Design (DDD) practices.
This knowledge base helps Claude Code understand your development preferences, coding standards, and project-specific practices. Instead of repeating instructions in every session, you maintain a set of reference documents that Claude reads as needed.
Think of it as teaching Claude how you work — your philosophy, your rhythm, your patterns.
- Fork or copy this repository to your project
- Add to your project root or docs/ folder (keep it version controlled with your code)
- Customize each file to match your preferences and practices
- At the start of each Claude Code session, say:
"Please read index.md from my knowledge base"
- Claude will read the core files and reference others as needed during your session
- index.md - Start here! Navigation and usage guide
- style-guide.md - Coding standards and Python/Pytest conventions
- working-agreement.md - Partnership charter (includes Arlo Belshee commit notation)
- philosophy.md - Development philosophy: XP, DDD, test-first, pure domain model
- testing.md - Test-first development: red-green-refactor, one test at a time
- refactoring.md - When and how to refactor: green bar rule, commit after refactor
- design-patterns.md - Patterns you prefer to use
- domain-language.md - Project vocabulary and ubiquitous language
- decisions.md - Architectural decision records (ADRs)
- CONTRIBUTING.md - How to maintain and update your knowledge base
This template embodies:
- Extreme Programming (XP) - Small steps, constant feedback, pair programming with AI
- Test-First Development - Red-green-refactor rhythm, one test at a time
- Domain-Driven Design (DDD) - Pure domain model, business rules in domain objects
- Continuous Refactoring - Commit after every green refactor
- Arlo Belshee Commit Notation - Risk-aware commit messages
- Keep it concise - Each file should be under 400 words
- Be specific - Document what's unique to your approach
- Update regularly - Add learnings and decisions as they emerge
- Remove what doesn't fit - Not every file may be relevant to your project
- Add new files - Create additional references as needed
Important: This knowledge base should live in your project repository, version controlled alongside your code. It's part of your project's documentation.
While the current template includes Python/Pytest conventions in style-guide.md, the overall structure and philosophy work with any programming language. Customize the examples and guidance to match your stack.
- Fork or copy this repository to your project
- Customize in a team session - Make it yours together
- Reference in onboarding docs - New team members read this first
- Update as you learn - Living document that grows with your project
This knowledge base template comes from The Passionate Programmer YouTube channel, where we explore how to collaborate effectively with AI for software development.
Want to see this in action? Check out our videos on:
- Planning Mode: Breaking down features before coding
- Knowledge Bases: Teaching Claude how you work
- Test-First Development with AI pair programming
- Domain-Driven Design with Claude Code
Watch the tutorials:
- Planning Mode: How to plan features before coding
- Knowledge Bases: Setting up your development knowledge base
- Test-First with Claude: Red-green-refactor workflow
Subscribe: The Passionate Programmer on YouTube
MIT License - Feel free to use, modify, and share.
Your first session:
- Open Claude Code in your project directory
- Say: "Please read index.md from my knowledge base"
- Start building with your preferred practices already in place
No more repeating yourself. Your knowledge base remembers.
Built for Claude Code - Your AI pair programmer
Version: 1.0 Last Updated: November 2024 Maintained by: The Passionate Programmer