---

name: julien-maintenance-claude-json description: Clean ~/.claude.json when it becomes too large (>25K tokens). Use when Claude cannot read the file, user mentions "claude.json trop gros", "nettoyer claude.json", or "cleanup claude.json". category: maintenance triggers:

• claude.json trop gros
• nettoyer claude.json
• cleanup claude.json
• claude.json too large
• clean claude config
• maintenance claude
• file exceeds maximum tokens

---

Claude.json Maintenance

Clean and optimize ~/.claude.json when it becomes too large for Claude to read.

When to Use

Observability

First: At the start of execution, display:

Copy🔧 Skill "julien-maintenance-claude-json" activated

• Claude Code shows error: "File content exceeds maximum allowed tokens"
• User reports claude.json is too big
• Periodic maintenance to keep config lean

Workflow

Step 1: Diagnose

Run the diagnostic script to see what's taking space:

Copypython scripts/diagnose-claude-json.py

This shows each section's size in characters and tokens (estimated).

Step 2: Clean (Interactive)

Run the cleanup script:

Copypython scripts/clean-claude-json.py

Safe cleanups (no data loss):

• cachedChangelog - Will be re-downloaded automatically
• cachedStatsigGates - Feature flags cache
• cachedDynamicConfigs - Dynamic config cache
• cachedGrowthBookFeatures - A/B test cache

Optional cleanups (may lose preferences):

• projects - Old project permissions (keeps recent 30 days)
• tipsHistory - Onboarding tips tracking

Step 3: Verify

After cleanup, verify the file is readable:

Copypython scripts/diagnose-claude-json.py

Backup Policy

Always creates backup before any modification:

• Location: ~/.claude.json.backup-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS
• Keep last 3 backups, older ones auto-deleted

Common Culprits

*Projects: Can clear old entries (>30 days) but keeps recent ones.

Skill Chaining

Skills Required Before

• None (diagnostic/maintenance entry point)

Input Expected

• User complaint about claude.json being too large
• Or Claude error about file exceeding token limit

Output Produced

• Cleaned ~/.claude.json file
• Backup of original file
• Size reduction report

Compatible Skills After

• None (terminal operation)

Tools Used

• Bash (run Python scripts)
• Read (verify file after cleanup)