Turn GitHub into Claude context

Why GitHub needs preparation before Claude

A repository alone is rarely the full project. The AI may also need docs, specs, tickets, or architecture notes that live outside the codebase.

Claude is strong for long-form analysis, research synthesis, and project planning when the source material is organized clearly. The result depends heavily on how cleanly your source material is grouped, labeled, and filtered before it reaches the model.

Step-by-step workflow

Add the repository source, include the files relevant to the task, and use filters to remove generated output, dependencies, and test fixtures.

• Add GitHub repositories as a Riflet source.
• Select README files, package manifests, core source files, route handlers, API contracts, schema files, and focused tests.
• Use filters to remove stale exports, generated files, and unrelated background material.
• Export one Markdown or text bundle and use it in Claude Projects.

What to include

For this workflow, prioritize README files, package manifests, core source files, route handlers, API contracts, schema files, and focused tests. Add a short instruction file at the top if the AI needs naming conventions, project goals, or constraints.

Do not export the whole repo by default. Include entrypoints, core modules, configuration, docs, and tests that explain the behavior you want the AI to reason about.

Token budget advice

Riflet lets you check the bundle against your target model before export. Keep room for your actual question and for the model's answer.

If the bundle is too large, remove files that merely repeat what another file already explains. Context quality usually beats context volume.

Honest limitation

Riflet does not push live updates into Claude. It creates the context file. When the source changes, re-export and upload the new bundle yourself.