Claude Code occasionally forgets basic developer instructions from README and contribution guides

Description

Claude Code sometimes fails to follow basic developer instructions that are clearly documented in README files and contribution guidelines. This includes forgetting established workflows, testing procedures, and project-specific conventions.

Examples of forgotten instructions:

• Not following the documented testing procedures (e.g., using nox -s test vs trying to run pytest directly)
• Ignoring virtual environment setup instructions
• Forgetting project-specific commands and workflows
• Not adhering to contribution guidelines

Impact

This causes developer frustration as Claude Code attempts incorrect approaches that are clearly documented, requiring users to manually remind it to check the README or other documentation.

Suggested improvements:

1. Prioritize README.md and CONTRIBUTING.md content in context
2. Maintain better awareness of project-specific instructions throughout conversations
3. Check documentation files before attempting common developer tasks
4. Better retention of project setup and workflow information within a session

Reproduction

1. Start a session in a project with clear README instructions
2. Ask Claude Code to perform tasks like running tests or setting up the environment
3. Observe that it sometimes attempts generic approaches instead of following documented project-specific instructions

This issue affects developer productivity and trust in the tool's ability to work effectively within established project structures.