Make Claude project bootstrap available from a real init command

The Rust CLI previously hid init behind the REPL slash-command surface and only
created a starter CLAUDE.md. This change adds a direct `init` subcommand and
moves bootstrap behavior into a shared helper so `/init` and `init` create the
same project scaffolding: `.claude/`, `.claude.json`, starter `CLAUDE.md`, and
local-only `.gitignore` entries. The generated guidance now adapts to a small,
explicit set of repository markers so new projects get language/framework-aware
starting instructions without overwriting existing files.

Constraint: Runtime config precedence already treats `.claude.json`, `.claude/settings.json`, and `.claude/settings.local.json` as separate scopes
Constraint: `.claude/sessions/` is used for local session persistence and should not be committed by default
Rejected: Keep init as REPL-only `/init` behavior | would not satisfy the requested direct init command and keeps bootstrap discoverability low
Rejected: Ignore all of `.claude/` | would hide shared project config that the runtime can intentionally load
Confidence: high
Scope-risk: moderate
Reversibility: clean
Directive: Keep direct `init` and `/init` on the same helper path and keep detection heuristics bounded to explicit repository markers
Tested: cargo fmt --all; cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings; cargo test --workspace
Not-tested: interactive manual run of `rusty-claude-cli init` against a non-test repository

rust/README.md

@@ -109,6 +109,13 @@ cd rust
 cargo run -p rusty-claude-cli -- --allowedTools read,glob
 ```
 
+Bootstrap Claude project files for the current repo:
+
+```bash
+cd rust
+cargo run -p rusty-claude-cli -- init
+```
+
 ### 2) REPL mode
 
 Start the interactive shell:
@@ -179,7 +186,7 @@ cargo run -p rusty-claude-cli -- --resume session.json /memory /config
 - `/resume <session-path>` — load a saved session into the REPL
 - `/config [env|hooks|model]` — inspect discovered Claude config
 - `/memory` — inspect loaded instruction memory files
-- `/init` — create a starter `CLAUDE.md`
+- `/init` — bootstrap `.claude.json`, `.claude/`, `CLAUDE.md`, and local ignore rules
 - `/diff` — show the current git diff for the workspace
 - `/version` — print version and build metadata locally
 - `/export [file]` — export the current conversation transcript

rust/crates/commands/src/lib.rs

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ const SLASH_COMMAND_SPECS: &[SlashCommandSpec] = &[
     },
     SlashCommandSpec {
         name: "init",
-        summary: "Create a starter CLAUDE.md for this repo",
+        summary: "Bootstrap Claude project files for this repo",
         argument_hint: None,
         resume_supported: true,
     },

rust/crates/rusty-claude-cli/src/init.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,433 @@
+use std::fs;
+use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+
+const STARTER_CLAUDE_JSON: &str = concat!(
+    "{\n",
+    "  \"permissions\": {\n",
+    "    \"defaultMode\": \"acceptEdits\"\n",
+    "  }\n",
+    "}\n",
+);
+const GITIGNORE_COMMENT: &str = "# Claude Code local artifacts";
+const GITIGNORE_ENTRIES: [&str; 2] = [".claude/settings.local.json", ".claude/sessions/"];
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub(crate) enum InitStatus {
+    Created,
+    Updated,
+    Skipped,
+}
+
+impl InitStatus {
+    #[must_use]
+    pub(crate) fn label(self) -> &'static str {
+        match self {
+            Self::Created => "created",
+            Self::Updated => "updated",
+            Self::Skipped => "skipped (already exists)",
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub(crate) struct InitArtifact {
+    pub(crate) name: &'static str,
+    pub(crate) status: InitStatus,
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub(crate) struct InitReport {
+    pub(crate) project_root: PathBuf,
+    pub(crate) artifacts: Vec<InitArtifact>,
+}
+
+impl InitReport {
+    #[must_use]
+    pub(crate) fn render(&self) -> String {
+        let mut lines = vec![
+            "Init".to_string(),
+            format!("  Project          {}", self.project_root.display()),
+        ];
+        for artifact in &self.artifacts {
+            lines.push(format!(
+                "  {:<16} {}",
+                artifact.name,
+                artifact.status.label()
+            ));
+        }
+        lines.push("  Next step        Review and tailor the generated guidance".to_string());
+        lines.join("\n")
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[allow(clippy::struct_excessive_bools)]
+struct RepoDetection {
+    rust_workspace: bool,
+    rust_root: bool,
+    python: bool,
+    package_json: bool,
+    typescript: bool,
+    nextjs: bool,
+    react: bool,
+    vite: bool,
+    nest: bool,
+    src_dir: bool,
+    tests_dir: bool,
+    rust_dir: bool,
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn initialize_repo(cwd: &Path) -> Result<InitReport, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    let mut artifacts = Vec::new();
+
+    let claude_dir = cwd.join(".claude");
+    artifacts.push(InitArtifact {
+        name: ".claude/",
+        status: ensure_dir(&claude_dir)?,
+    });
+
+    let claude_json = cwd.join(".claude.json");
+    artifacts.push(InitArtifact {
+        name: ".claude.json",
+        status: write_file_if_missing(&claude_json, STARTER_CLAUDE_JSON)?,
+    });
+
+    let gitignore = cwd.join(".gitignore");
+    artifacts.push(InitArtifact {
+        name: ".gitignore",
+        status: ensure_gitignore_entries(&gitignore)?,
+    });
+
+    let claude_md = cwd.join("CLAUDE.md");
+    let content = render_init_claude_md(cwd);
+    artifacts.push(InitArtifact {
+        name: "CLAUDE.md",
+        status: write_file_if_missing(&claude_md, &content)?,
+    });
+
+    Ok(InitReport {
+        project_root: cwd.to_path_buf(),
+        artifacts,
+    })
+}
+
+fn ensure_dir(path: &Path) -> Result<InitStatus, std::io::Error> {
+    if path.is_dir() {
+        return Ok(InitStatus::Skipped);
+    }
+    fs::create_dir_all(path)?;
+    Ok(InitStatus::Created)
+}
+
+fn write_file_if_missing(path: &Path, content: &str) -> Result<InitStatus, std::io::Error> {
+    if path.exists() {
+        return Ok(InitStatus::Skipped);
+    }
+    fs::write(path, content)?;
+    Ok(InitStatus::Created)
+}
+
+fn ensure_gitignore_entries(path: &Path) -> Result<InitStatus, std::io::Error> {
+    if !path.exists() {
+        let mut lines = vec![GITIGNORE_COMMENT.to_string()];
+        lines.extend(GITIGNORE_ENTRIES.iter().map(|entry| (*entry).to_string()));
+        fs::write(path, format!("{}\n", lines.join("\n")))?;
+        return Ok(InitStatus::Created);
+    }
+
+    let existing = fs::read_to_string(path)?;
+    let mut lines = existing.lines().map(ToOwned::to_owned).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    let mut changed = false;
+
+    if !lines.iter().any(|line| line == GITIGNORE_COMMENT) {
+        lines.push(GITIGNORE_COMMENT.to_string());
+        changed = true;
+    }
+
+    for entry in GITIGNORE_ENTRIES {
+        if !lines.iter().any(|line| line == entry) {
+            lines.push(entry.to_string());
+            changed = true;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if !changed {
+        return Ok(InitStatus::Skipped);
+    }
+
+    fs::write(path, format!("{}\n", lines.join("\n")))?;
+    Ok(InitStatus::Updated)
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn render_init_claude_md(cwd: &Path) -> String {
+    let detection = detect_repo(cwd);
+    let mut lines = vec![
+        "# CLAUDE.md".to_string(),
+        String::new(),
+        "This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with code in this repository.".to_string(),
+        String::new(),
+    ];
+
+    let detected_languages = detected_languages(&detection);
+    let detected_frameworks = detected_frameworks(&detection);
+    lines.push("## Detected stack".to_string());
+    if detected_languages.is_empty() {
+        lines.push("- No specific language markers were detected yet; document the primary language and verification commands once the project structure settles.".to_string());
+    } else {
+        lines.push(format!("- Languages: {}.", detected_languages.join(", ")));
+    }
+    if detected_frameworks.is_empty() {
+        lines.push("- Frameworks: none detected from the supported starter markers.".to_string());
+    } else {
+        lines.push(format!(
+            "- Frameworks/tooling markers: {}.",
+            detected_frameworks.join(", ")
+        ));
+    }
+    lines.push(String::new());
+
+    let verification_lines = verification_lines(cwd, &detection);
+    if !verification_lines.is_empty() {
+        lines.push("## Verification".to_string());
+        lines.extend(verification_lines);
+        lines.push(String::new());
+    }
+
+    let structure_lines = repository_shape_lines(&detection);
+    if !structure_lines.is_empty() {
+        lines.push("## Repository shape".to_string());
+        lines.extend(structure_lines);
+        lines.push(String::new());
+    }
+
+    let framework_lines = framework_notes(&detection);
+    if !framework_lines.is_empty() {
+        lines.push("## Framework notes".to_string());
+        lines.extend(framework_lines);
+        lines.push(String::new());
+    }
+
+    lines.push("## Working agreement".to_string());
+    lines.push("- Prefer small, reviewable changes and keep generated bootstrap files aligned with actual repo workflows.".to_string());
+    lines.push("- Keep shared defaults in `.claude.json`; reserve `.claude/settings.local.json` for machine-local overrides.".to_string());
+    lines.push("- Do not overwrite existing `CLAUDE.md` content automatically; update it intentionally when repo workflows change.".to_string());
+    lines.push(String::new());
+
+    lines.join("\n")
+}
+
+fn detect_repo(cwd: &Path) -> RepoDetection {
+    let package_json_contents = fs::read_to_string(cwd.join("package.json"))
+        .unwrap_or_default()
+        .to_ascii_lowercase();
+    RepoDetection {
+        rust_workspace: cwd.join("rust").join("Cargo.toml").is_file(),
+        rust_root: cwd.join("Cargo.toml").is_file(),
+        python: cwd.join("pyproject.toml").is_file()
+            || cwd.join("requirements.txt").is_file()
+            || cwd.join("setup.py").is_file(),
+        package_json: cwd.join("package.json").is_file(),
+        typescript: cwd.join("tsconfig.json").is_file()
+            || package_json_contents.contains("typescript"),
+        nextjs: package_json_contents.contains("\"next\""),
+        react: package_json_contents.contains("\"react\""),
+        vite: package_json_contents.contains("\"vite\""),
+        nest: package_json_contents.contains("@nestjs"),
+        src_dir: cwd.join("src").is_dir(),
+        tests_dir: cwd.join("tests").is_dir(),
+        rust_dir: cwd.join("rust").is_dir(),
+    }
+}
+
+fn detected_languages(detection: &RepoDetection) -> Vec<&'static str> {
+    let mut languages = Vec::new();
+    if detection.rust_workspace || detection.rust_root {
+        languages.push("Rust");
+    }
+    if detection.python {
+        languages.push("Python");
+    }
+    if detection.typescript {
+        languages.push("TypeScript");
+    } else if detection.package_json {
+        languages.push("JavaScript/Node.js");
+    }
+    languages
+}
+
+fn detected_frameworks(detection: &RepoDetection) -> Vec<&'static str> {
+    let mut frameworks = Vec::new();
+    if detection.nextjs {
+        frameworks.push("Next.js");
+    }
+    if detection.react {
+        frameworks.push("React");
+    }
+    if detection.vite {
+        frameworks.push("Vite");
+    }
+    if detection.nest {
+        frameworks.push("NestJS");
+    }
+    frameworks
+}
+
+fn verification_lines(cwd: &Path, detection: &RepoDetection) -> Vec<String> {
+    let mut lines = Vec::new();
+    if detection.rust_workspace {
+        lines.push("- Run Rust verification from `rust/`: `cargo fmt`, `cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings`, `cargo test --workspace`".to_string());
+    } else if detection.rust_root {
+        lines.push("- Run Rust verification from the repo root: `cargo fmt`, `cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings`, `cargo test --workspace`".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.python {
+        if cwd.join("pyproject.toml").is_file() {
+            lines.push("- Run the Python project checks declared in `pyproject.toml` (for example: `pytest`, `ruff check`, and `mypy` when configured).".to_string());
+        } else {
+            lines.push(
+                "- Run the repo's Python test/lint commands before shipping changes.".to_string(),
+            );
+        }
+    }
+    if detection.package_json {
+        lines.push("- Run the JavaScript/TypeScript checks from `package.json` before shipping changes (`npm test`, `npm run lint`, `npm run build`, or the repo equivalent).".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.tests_dir && detection.src_dir {
+        lines.push("- `src/` and `tests/` are both present; update both surfaces together when behavior changes.".to_string());
+    }
+    lines
+}
+
+fn repository_shape_lines(detection: &RepoDetection) -> Vec<String> {
+    let mut lines = Vec::new();
+    if detection.rust_dir {
+        lines.push(
+            "- `rust/` contains the Rust workspace and active CLI/runtime implementation."
+                .to_string(),
+        );
+    }
+    if detection.src_dir {
+        lines.push("- `src/` contains source files that should stay consistent with generated guidance and tests.".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.tests_dir {
+        lines.push("- `tests/` contains validation surfaces that should be reviewed alongside code changes.".to_string());
+    }
+    lines
+}
+
+fn framework_notes(detection: &RepoDetection) -> Vec<String> {
+    let mut lines = Vec::new();
+    if detection.nextjs {
+        lines.push("- Next.js detected: preserve routing/data-fetching conventions and verify production builds after changing app structure.".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.react && !detection.nextjs {
+        lines.push("- React detected: keep component behavior covered with focused tests and avoid unnecessary prop/API churn.".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.vite {
+        lines.push("- Vite detected: validate the production bundle after changing build-sensitive configuration or imports.".to_string());
+    }
+    if detection.nest {
+        lines.push("- NestJS detected: keep module/provider boundaries explicit and verify controller/service wiring after refactors.".to_string());
+    }
+    lines
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::{initialize_repo, render_init_claude_md};
+    use std::fs;
+    use std::path::Path;
+    use std::time::{SystemTime, UNIX_EPOCH};
+
+    fn temp_dir() -> std::path::PathBuf {
+        let nanos = SystemTime::now()
+            .duration_since(UNIX_EPOCH)
+            .expect("time should be after epoch")
+            .as_nanos();
+        std::env::temp_dir().join(format!("rusty-claude-init-{nanos}"))
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn initialize_repo_creates_expected_files_and_gitignore_entries() {
+        let root = temp_dir();
+        fs::create_dir_all(root.join("rust")).expect("create rust dir");
+        fs::write(root.join("rust").join("Cargo.toml"), "[workspace]\n").expect("write cargo");
+
+        let report = initialize_repo(&root).expect("init should succeed");
+        let rendered = report.render();
+        assert!(rendered.contains(".claude/         created"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains(".claude.json     created"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains(".gitignore       created"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("CLAUDE.md        created"));
+        assert!(root.join(".claude").is_dir());
+        assert!(root.join(".claude.json").is_file());
+        assert!(root.join("CLAUDE.md").is_file());
+        assert_eq!(
+            fs::read_to_string(root.join(".claude.json")).expect("read claude json"),
+            concat!(
+                "{\n",
+                "  \"permissions\": {\n",
+                "    \"defaultMode\": \"acceptEdits\"\n",
+                "  }\n",
+                "}\n",
+            )
+        );
+        let gitignore = fs::read_to_string(root.join(".gitignore")).expect("read gitignore");
+        assert!(gitignore.contains(".claude/settings.local.json"));
+        assert!(gitignore.contains(".claude/sessions/"));
+        let claude_md = fs::read_to_string(root.join("CLAUDE.md")).expect("read claude md");
+        assert!(claude_md.contains("Languages: Rust."));
+        assert!(claude_md.contains("cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings"));
+
+        fs::remove_dir_all(root).expect("cleanup temp dir");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn initialize_repo_is_idempotent_and_preserves_existing_files() {
+        let root = temp_dir();
+        fs::create_dir_all(&root).expect("create root");
+        fs::write(root.join("CLAUDE.md"), "custom guidance\n").expect("write existing claude md");
+        fs::write(root.join(".gitignore"), ".claude/settings.local.json\n")
+            .expect("write gitignore");
+
+        let first = initialize_repo(&root).expect("first init should succeed");
+        assert!(first
+            .render()
+            .contains("CLAUDE.md        skipped (already exists)"));
+        let second = initialize_repo(&root).expect("second init should succeed");
+        let second_rendered = second.render();
+        assert!(second_rendered.contains(".claude/         skipped (already exists)"));
+        assert!(second_rendered.contains(".claude.json     skipped (already exists)"));
+        assert!(second_rendered.contains(".gitignore       skipped (already exists)"));
+        assert!(second_rendered.contains("CLAUDE.md        skipped (already exists)"));
+        assert_eq!(
+            fs::read_to_string(root.join("CLAUDE.md")).expect("read existing claude md"),
+            "custom guidance\n"
+        );
+        let gitignore = fs::read_to_string(root.join(".gitignore")).expect("read gitignore");
+        assert_eq!(gitignore.matches(".claude/settings.local.json").count(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(gitignore.matches(".claude/sessions/").count(), 1);
+
+        fs::remove_dir_all(root).expect("cleanup temp dir");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn render_init_template_mentions_detected_python_and_nextjs_markers() {
+        let root = temp_dir();
+        fs::create_dir_all(&root).expect("create root");
+        fs::write(root.join("pyproject.toml"), "[project]\nname = \"demo\"\n")
+            .expect("write pyproject");
+        fs::write(
+            root.join("package.json"),
+            r#"{"dependencies":{"next":"14.0.0","react":"18.0.0"},"devDependencies":{"typescript":"5.0.0"}}"#,
+        )
+        .expect("write package json");
+
+        let rendered = render_init_claude_md(Path::new(&root));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("Languages: Python, TypeScript."));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("Frameworks/tooling markers: Next.js, React."));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("pyproject.toml"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("Next.js detected"));
+
+        fs::remove_dir_all(root).expect("cleanup temp dir");
+    }
+}

rust/crates/rusty-claude-cli/src/main.rs

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+mod init;
 mod input;
 mod render;
 
@@ -20,6 +21,7 @@ use commands::{
     render_slash_command_help, resume_supported_slash_commands, slash_command_specs, SlashCommand,
 };
 use compat_harness::{extract_manifest, UpstreamPaths};
+use init::initialize_repo;
 use render::{Spinner, TerminalRenderer};
 use runtime::{
     clear_oauth_credentials, generate_pkce_pair, generate_state, load_system_prompt,
@@ -74,6 +76,7 @@ fn run() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
             .run_turn_with_output(&prompt, output_format)?,
         CliAction::Login => run_login()?,
         CliAction::Logout => run_logout()?,
+        CliAction::Init => run_init()?,
         CliAction::Repl {
             model,
             allowed_tools,
@@ -106,6 +109,7 @@ enum CliAction {
     },
     Login,
     Logout,
+    Init,
     Repl {
         model: String,
         allowed_tools: Option<AllowedToolSet>,
@@ -230,6 +234,7 @@ fn parse_args(args: &[String]) -> Result<CliAction, String> {
         "system-prompt" => parse_system_prompt_args(&rest[1..]),
         "login" => Ok(CliAction::Login),
         "logout" => Ok(CliAction::Logout),
+        "init" => Ok(CliAction::Init),
         "prompt" => {
             let prompt = rest[1..].join(" ");
             if prompt.trim().is_empty() {
@@ -703,26 +708,6 @@ fn format_resume_report(session_path: &str, message_count: usize, turns: u32) ->
     )
 }
 
-fn format_init_report(path: &Path, created: bool) -> String {
-    if created {
-        format!(
-            "Init
-  CLAUDE.md        {}
-  Result           created
-  Next step        Review and tailor the generated guidance",
-            path.display()
-        )
-    } else {
-        format!(
-            "Init
-  CLAUDE.md        {}
-  Result           skipped (already exists)
-  Next step        Edit the existing file intentionally if workflows changed",
-            path.display()
-        )
-    }
-}
-
 fn format_compact_report(removed: usize, resulting_messages: usize, skipped: bool) -> String {
     if skipped {
         format!(
@@ -1112,7 +1097,7 @@ impl LiveCli {
                 false
             }
             SlashCommand::Init => {
-                Self::run_init()?;
+                run_init()?;
                 false
             }
             SlashCommand::Diff => {
@@ -1320,11 +1305,6 @@ impl LiveCli {
         Ok(())
     }
 
-    fn run_init() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
-        println!("{}", init_claude_md()?);
-        Ok(())
-    }
-
     fn print_diff() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
         println!("{}", render_diff_report()?);
         Ok(())
@@ -1722,67 +1702,12 @@ fn render_memory_report() -> Result<String, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
 
 fn init_claude_md() -> Result<String, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
     let cwd = env::current_dir()?;
-    let claude_md = cwd.join("CLAUDE.md");
-    if claude_md.exists() {
-        return Ok(format_init_report(&claude_md, false));
-    }
-
-    let content = render_init_claude_md(&cwd);
-    fs::write(&claude_md, content)?;
-    Ok(format_init_report(&claude_md, true))
+    Ok(initialize_repo(&cwd)?.render())
 }
 
-fn render_init_claude_md(cwd: &Path) -> String {
-    let mut lines = vec![
-        "# CLAUDE.md".to_string(),
-        String::new(),
-        "This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with code in this repository.".to_string(),
-        String::new(),
-    ];
-
-    let mut command_lines = Vec::new();
-    if cwd.join("rust").join("Cargo.toml").is_file() {
-        command_lines.push("- Run Rust verification from `rust/`: `cargo fmt`, `cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings`, `cargo test --workspace`".to_string());
-    } else if cwd.join("Cargo.toml").is_file() {
-        command_lines.push("- Run Rust verification from the repo root: `cargo fmt`, `cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings`, `cargo test --workspace`".to_string());
-    }
-    if cwd.join("tests").is_dir() && cwd.join("src").is_dir() {
-        command_lines.push("- `src/` and `tests/` are also present; check those surfaces before removing or renaming Python-era compatibility assets.".to_string());
-    }
-    if !command_lines.is_empty() {
-        lines.push("## Verification".to_string());
-        lines.extend(command_lines);
-        lines.push(String::new());
-    }
-
-    let mut structure_lines = Vec::new();
-    if cwd.join("rust").is_dir() {
-        structure_lines.push(
-            "- `rust/` contains the Rust workspace and the active CLI/runtime implementation."
-                .to_string(),
-        );
-    }
-    if cwd.join("src").is_dir() {
-        structure_lines.push("- `src/` contains the older Python-first workspace artifacts referenced by the repo history and tests.".to_string());
-    }
-    if cwd.join("tests").is_dir() {
-        structure_lines.push("- `tests/` exercises compatibility and porting behavior across the repository surfaces.".to_string());
-    }
-    if !structure_lines.is_empty() {
-        lines.push("## Repository shape".to_string());
-        lines.extend(structure_lines);
-        lines.push(String::new());
-    }
-
-    lines.push("## Working agreement".to_string());
-    lines.push("- Prefer small, reviewable Rust changes and keep slash-command behavior aligned between the shared command registry and the CLI entrypoints.".to_string());
-    lines.push("- Do not overwrite existing CLAUDE.md content automatically; update it intentionally when repo workflows change.".to_string());
-    lines.push(String::new());
-
-    lines.join(
-        "
-",
-    )
+fn run_init() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    println!("{}", init_claude_md()?);
+    Ok(())
 }
 
 fn normalize_permission_mode(mode: &str) -> Option<&'static str> {
@@ -2341,34 +2266,65 @@ fn convert_messages(messages: &[ConversationMessage]) -> Vec<InputMessage> {
         .collect()
 }
 
-fn print_help() {
-    println!("rusty-claude-cli v{VERSION}");
-    println!();
-    println!("Usage:");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--allowedTools TOOL[,TOOL...]]");
-    println!("      Start the interactive REPL");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--output-format text|json] prompt TEXT");
-    println!("      Send one prompt and exit");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--output-format text|json] TEXT");
-    println!("      Shorthand non-interactive prompt mode");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli --resume SESSION.json [/status] [/compact] [...]");
-    println!("      Inspect or maintain a saved session without entering the REPL");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli dump-manifests");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli bootstrap-plan");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli system-prompt [--cwd PATH] [--date YYYY-MM-DD]");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli login");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli logout");
-    println!();
-    println!("Flags:");
-    println!("  --model MODEL              Override the active model");
-    println!("  --output-format FORMAT     Non-interactive output format: text or json");
-    println!("  --permission-mode MODE     Set read-only, workspace-write, or danger-full-access");
-    println!("  --allowedTools TOOLS       Restrict enabled tools (repeatable; comma-separated aliases supported)");
-    println!("  --version, -V              Print version and build information locally");
-    println!();
-    println!("Interactive slash commands:");
-    println!("{}", render_slash_command_help());
-    println!();
+fn print_help_to(out: &mut impl Write) -> io::Result<()> {
+    writeln!(out, "rusty-claude-cli v{VERSION}")?;
+    writeln!(out)?;
+    writeln!(out, "Usage:")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--allowedTools TOOL[,TOOL...]]"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "      Start the interactive REPL")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--output-format text|json] prompt TEXT"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "      Send one prompt and exit")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli [--model MODEL] [--output-format text|json] TEXT"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "      Shorthand non-interactive prompt mode")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli --resume SESSION.json [/status] [/compact] [...]"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "      Inspect or maintain a saved session without entering the REPL"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli dump-manifests")?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli bootstrap-plan")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli system-prompt [--cwd PATH] [--date YYYY-MM-DD]"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli login")?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli logout")?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli init")?;
+    writeln!(out)?;
+    writeln!(out, "Flags:")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  --model MODEL              Override the active model"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  --output-format FORMAT     Non-interactive output format: text or json"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  --permission-mode MODE     Set read-only, workspace-write, or danger-full-access"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "  --allowedTools TOOLS       Restrict enabled tools (repeatable; comma-separated aliases supported)")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  --version, -V              Print version and build information locally"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out)?;
+    writeln!(out, "Interactive slash commands:")?;
+    writeln!(out, "{}", render_slash_command_help())?;
+    writeln!(out)?;
     let resume_commands = resume_supported_slash_commands()
         .into_iter()
         .map(|spec| match spec.argument_hint {
@@ -2377,28 +2333,46 @@ fn print_help() {
         })
         .collect::<Vec<_>>()
         .join(", ");
-    println!("Resume-safe commands: {resume_commands}");
-    println!("Examples:");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli --model claude-opus \"summarize this repo\"");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli --output-format json prompt \"explain src/main.rs\"");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli --allowedTools read,glob \"summarize Cargo.toml\"");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli --resume session.json /status /diff /export notes.txt");
-    println!("  rusty-claude-cli login");
+    writeln!(out, "Resume-safe commands: {resume_commands}")?;
+    writeln!(out, "Examples:")?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli --model claude-opus \"summarize this repo\""
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli --output-format json prompt \"explain src/main.rs\""
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli --allowedTools read,glob \"summarize Cargo.toml\""
+    )?;
+    writeln!(
+        out,
+        "  rusty-claude-cli --resume session.json /status /diff /export notes.txt"
+    )?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli login")?;
+    writeln!(out, "  rusty-claude-cli init")?;
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+fn print_help() {
+    let _ = print_help_to(&mut io::stdout());
 }
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::{
-        filter_tool_specs, format_compact_report, format_cost_report, format_init_report,
-        format_model_report, format_model_switch_report, format_permissions_report,
-        format_permissions_switch_report, format_resume_report, format_status_report,
-        format_tool_call_start, format_tool_result, normalize_permission_mode, parse_args,
-        parse_git_status_metadata, render_config_report, render_init_claude_md,
-        render_memory_report, render_repl_help, resume_supported_slash_commands, status_context,
-        CliAction, CliOutputFormat, SlashCommand, StatusUsage, DEFAULT_MODEL,
+        filter_tool_specs, format_compact_report, format_cost_report, format_model_report,
+        format_model_switch_report, format_permissions_report, format_permissions_switch_report,
+        format_resume_report, format_status_report, format_tool_call_start, format_tool_result,
+        normalize_permission_mode, parse_args, parse_git_status_metadata, print_help_to,
+        render_config_report, render_memory_report, render_repl_help,
+        resume_supported_slash_commands, status_context, CliAction, CliOutputFormat, SlashCommand,
+        StatusUsage, DEFAULT_MODEL,
     };
     use runtime::{ContentBlock, ConversationMessage, MessageRole, PermissionMode};
-    use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+    use std::path::PathBuf;
 
     #[test]
     fn defaults_to_repl_when_no_args() {
@@ -2534,6 +2508,10 @@ mod tests {
             parse_args(&["logout".to_string()]).expect("logout should parse"),
             CliAction::Logout
         );
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_args(&["init".to_string()]).expect("init should parse"),
+            CliAction::Init
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -2688,12 +2666,11 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn init_report_uses_structured_output() {
-        let created = format_init_report(Path::new("/tmp/CLAUDE.md"), true);
-        assert!(created.contains("Init"));
-        assert!(created.contains("Result           created"));
-        let skipped = format_init_report(Path::new("/tmp/CLAUDE.md"), false);
-        assert!(skipped.contains("skipped (already exists)"));
+    fn init_help_mentions_direct_subcommand() {
+        let mut help = Vec::new();
+        print_help_to(&mut help).expect("help should render");
+        let help = String::from_utf8(help).expect("help should be utf8");
+        assert!(help.contains("rusty-claude-cli init"));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -2797,7 +2774,7 @@ mod tests {
     fn status_context_reads_real_workspace_metadata() {
         let context = status_context(None).expect("status context should load");
         assert!(context.cwd.is_absolute());
-        assert_eq!(context.discovered_config_files, 3);
+        assert_eq!(context.discovered_config_files, 5);
         assert!(context.loaded_config_files <= context.discovered_config_files);
     }
 
@@ -2855,7 +2832,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn init_template_mentions_detected_rust_workspace() {
-        let rendered = render_init_claude_md(Path::new("."));
+        let rendered = crate::init::render_init_claude_md(std::path::Path::new("."));
         assert!(rendered.contains("# CLAUDE.md"));
         assert!(rendered.contains("cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings"));
     }