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December 10, 2024

AI Coding Tools Need Context — Here's How to Give It

AI coding assistants are only as good as the context you provide.

What is Context?

Context is the information an AI needs to generate accurate, relevant code:

  • Project architecture and patterns
  • Coding conventions and style guides
  • Database schemas and API specs
  • Business logic and domain knowledge

    • The Context File Formats

    Different tools use different formats:

    Cursor

  • `.cursor/rules` — project-wide instructions
  • `KNOWLEDGE.md` — detailed project context

    • Cline

  • `.clinerules` — behavior configuration
  • `CODEBASE_CONTEXT.md` — project documentation

    • v0

  • `PROJECT_KNOWLEDGE.md` — component and UI patterns

    • Best Practices

    1. **Be specific** — vague instructions lead to vague code

    2. **Update regularly** — stale context leads to inconsistencies

    3. **Include examples** — show, don't just tell

    4. **Document patterns** — explain your conventions

    Let Context Ark Help

    Context Ark generates all these context files automatically from your project specification. No more manual maintenance.