Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 32 minutes ago

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A Claude Code rule with `paths` frontmatter is conditional, not global. Current documentation says it applies when Claude reads a file matching the pattern—not on every tool use. A rule without `paths` loads unconditionally.

After compaction, path-scoped rules can reload when a matching file is read again. Use `/memory` to inspect loaded instruction files, and `InstructionsLoaded` when you need the exact load reason and timing.

These are documented context-loading semantics—not guarantees of compliance, token savings, speed, or accuracy.

#ClaudeCode #ContextEngineering #AITools #Shorts