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Correct answer: B. You write CLAUDE.md; Claude writes its own auto memory notes
Explanation
The principle — one file is a brief you write; the other is a record Claude keeps.
Why the key is correct — Anthropic defines CLAUDE.md as a markdown file of persistent instructions you write for Claude, loaded at the start of every session, and auto memory as notes Claude writes for itself based on your corrections and preferences. Use CLAUDE.md to guide behaviour; auto memory learns from your corrections without manual effort.
Why the others are wrong — reversing them sends you to the wrong file when behaviour needs changing. Authoring both by hand removes the point of the automatic one. And treating both as generated is how the file that most shapes behaviour stops being maintained.
Remember this — if you would say it out loud every session, write it in CLAUDE.md.
Sources — Anthropic's Claude Code glossary and the memory page.
Sources
“A markdown file of persistent instructions you write for Claude, loaded at the start of every session as a user message after the system prompt.”
“Use CLAUDE.md files when you want to guide Claude's behavior. Auto memory lets Claude learn from your corrections without manual effort.”
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