project-init

name	project-init
description	Initialize new projects with proper structure, documentation, and Claude configuration. Activates when creating any new project, repository, module, or significant component.

Project Initialization Skill

Core Principle

Every project starts with a clear architectural foundation. The initial structure determines the trajectory of all future work. Get the foundation right, and everything built on it will be sound.

Initialization Protocol

Phase 0: Research

Before creating any files — research is mandatory:

• Research current best practices for this project type using Tier 1 and Tier 2 sources
• Find canonical project structures and tooling choices in authoritative repositories
• Identify what toolchain is current and well-supported
• Verify all choices against official documentation and community consensus

Phase 1: Foundation Design

Define the architectural foundation:

• What problem does this project solve at its core?
• What is the right level of complexity for the initial structure?
• What conventions will this project follow?
• What are the non-negotiable quality requirements?

Phase 2: Create Structure

Structure emerges from research, not from static templates. Based on Phase 0 findings, create the project structure that matches current best practices for the specific language, framework, and project type.

Every project includes at minimum:

• README.md — what this project does, how to use it, how to develop
• CLAUDE.md — project context, architecture, commands, conventions
• .gitignore — appropriate patterns for the project type
• Test infrastructure — include test setup from the start. Apply the TDD skill's setup guidance for the chosen language/framework.
• Language-specific config — package.json, pyproject.toml, Cargo.toml, etc.

Phase 3: Initialize

1. Create the project directory
2. Initialize git
3. Create all files with meaningful content (not boilerplate)
4. Language-specific initialization
5. Initial commit

Phase 4: Verify

• README explains what and why
• CLAUDE.md provides useful context
• .gitignore covers common patterns
• Git is initialized with clean history
• Dependencies are declared
• Basic structure exists
• Can run/build without errors