---
name: Hooks over CLAUDE.md for behavioral enforcement
description: Gautam rejected relying on CLAUDE.md for rules. Hooks enforce behavior deterministically. CLAUDE.md is identity+context only.
type: feedback
---

Hooks must enforce all behavioral rules, not CLAUDE.md instructions. CLAUDE.md is for identity and context only.

**Why:** Gautam explicitly said "I do not want to rely on agent instructions over hooks. This compromises quality." CLAUDE.md rules are suggestions the model can ignore. Hooks execute deterministically every time.

**How to apply:** When configuring any agent, put audit logging, session persistence, notifications, and all required behaviors in hooks. CLAUDE.md should only contain: identity, approved contacts, credential paths, data locations, and compaction preservation guidance. Never put "you should do X" rules in CLAUDE.md -- enforce them with hooks instead.