[FEATURE] Add project name argument to init command: `claude init <project-name>`
Status Closed — not planned
Maintainer reply None cached
Workaround ✓ Mentioned in description ↑
Activity 2 comments · opened Jan 13, 2026 · closed Feb 26, 2026
Feature Request
Description
Add support for an optional project name argument to the init command, similar to how npm init <project-name> or cargo new <project-name> work.
Proposed Usage
claude init my-project
This would:
- Create a new directory called
my-project/ - Change into that directory
- Run the standard init workflow (create CLAUDE.md, etc.)
Current Behavior
Currently, claude must be run from an existing directory. Users who want to start a new project must manually:
mkdir my-projectcd my-projectclaude(and then use /init)
Proposed Behavior
claude init my-project
# Creates my-project/ directory
# Initializes Claude Code context
# Optionally starts interactive session in new directory
Additional Options (Optional Enhancements)
claude init my-project --template <template>- Start with a predefined templateclaude init my-project --no-interactive- Just create the structure without starting a session
Use Case
This streamlines the workflow for developers starting new projects with Claude Code, matching the ergonomics of other CLI tools like:
npm init <project-name>cargo new <project-name>go mod init <project-name>poetry new <project-name>
Workaround
A plugin-based /new-project command can provide this functionality as a workaround (PR forthcoming).
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