Context Curation
glossary beginner 3 min
Sources verified Dec 27, 2025
Giving AI the right background info to do its job well.
Simple Definition
Context Curation is the practice of selecting and providing relevant background information to AI assistants so they can give better, more accurate responses.
Technical Definition
The systematic process of selecting, formatting, and presenting project context (files, documentation, coding standards, architectural patterns) within AI prompts to maximize output quality and minimize hallucinations. Includes techniques like project rules files (.cursorrules, CLAUDE.md), RAG retrieval, and manual file inclusion.
Why It Matters
AI assistants have no memory between sessions and limited knowledge of your specific codebase. Without good context:
- AI generates generic code that doesn't match your patterns
- AI hallucinates APIs and dependencies that don't exist
- AI ignores your coding standards and conventions
With good context curation:
- AI matches your existing code style
- AI uses your actual APIs and dependencies
- AI follows your team's conventions
Key Takeaways
- Context curation = giving AI the right background info
- Poor context leads to generic, hallucinated, or non-conforming code
- Good context makes AI follow your patterns and conventions
- Project rules files automate context provision
Sources
Tempered AI — Forged Through Practice, Not Hype
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