The idea.md Method for Claude Code

Start every new project with Claude Code by asking it to create an idea.md file. Tell it to listen and structure what you write. Nothing more.

Then just talk.

Dump your thoughts into the chat. Explain the tech stack. Share what you expect the system to do. Write freely. Show screenshots of similar apps. Reference existing patterns you like.

Claude Code will organize everything into idea.md as you go.

Review the file periodically. You’ll spot gaps in your thinking. Add those missing pieces. New requirements will emerge from seeing your ideas structured. Feed those back in.

This creates a feedback loop: Talk. Read. Think. Repeat.

When idea.md feels complete and you’re ready to build, ask Claude Code to break the implementation into testable phases. Each phase should work independently:

• Phase 1: API endpoints you can test with curl
• Phase 2: Mock data and basic responses
• Phase 3: Minimal UI that connects to the mocked backend
• Phase 4: Real data sources
• Phase 5: Polish and edge cases

Every phase produces something you can verify works before moving forward.

The magic is in the constraint. By forcing all your ideas through a single markdown file first, you build clarity before code. By demanding testable phases, you avoid the trap of trying to build everything at once.