RFC: Config Hot-Reload for CLAUDE.md and Settings

[evansenter]

Problem

When iterating on Claude Code configuration (CLAUDE.md, settings.json), changes aren't picked up by running sessions. Users must restart each session to apply updates.

This is particularly painful for:

• Dotfiles maintainers who manage Claude Code configuration across machines
• Teams sharing project-level CLAUDE.md that evolves during development
• Power users iterating on workflows and permissions

Proposed Solutions

Option A: File-watch with automatic reload

• Watch CLAUDE.md and settings.json for changes
• Automatically reload and notify user: "Configuration updated from ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md"
• Pros: Seamless, zero friction
• Cons: May surprise users mid-conversation if context shifts

Option B: Built-in /reload command

• Add /reload slash command to re-read all config files
• User explicitly triggers reload when ready
• Pros: User controls timing, predictable behavior
• Cons: Requires manual action

Option C: Hybrid approach

• Watch for changes, notify user: "CLAUDE.md changed. Run /reload to apply."
• User decides when to reload
• Pros: Awareness + control
• Cons: Slightly more complex

Recommendation

Option B or C. Explicit user control is safer for maintaining conversation coherence.

Additional Considerations

• Should /reload reload commands too, or just CLAUDE.md/settings?
• Should there be granular options: /reload memory, /reload settings, /reload commands?
• How does this interact with the memory hierarchy (enterprise → project → user)?
• Could MCP server configs also be hot-reloaded?

Use Case

I maintain my Claude Code configuration in a dotfiles repo. When I update ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md or add new commands to ~/.claude/commands/, I currently need to restart all running Claude Code sessions to pick up changes. With multiple sessions open across different projects, this is disruptive to workflow.

[github-actions]

Found 3 possible duplicate issues:

1. Feature Request: Add /reloadSettings command to reload configuration without restart #5513
2. [FEATURE] Reload slash commands when .claude/commands/*.md files change #15803
3. Hot reload of agents and slash commands #6497

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[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically closed as a duplicate of #5513.

If this is incorrect, please re-open this issue or create a new one.

🤖 Generated with Claude Code

[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.