Domain 5Projects, Context & Advanced Configuration
Layered Context Stack
TL;DR
Claude processes context in a hierarchy: Global Preferences load first as the foundation, Project Instructions add task-specific context on top, and Styles adjust the final delivery format.
Definition
Claude processes context in a hierarchy: Global Preferences load first as the foundation, Project Instructions add task-specific context on top, and Styles adjust the final delivery format. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for troubleshooting unexpected behaviour — check which layer contains (or is missing) the relevant rule.
Exam Context
Questions may present a scenario where a rule is being ignored and ask where it should be configured. Match the rule's scope to the correct layer.