This guide explains how to sync Simone framework updates from development projects (like Synapsa) back to the canonical claude-simone repository.
Important: This is a ONE-WAY sync process. Framework improvements flow from active development projects → claude-simone, not the other way around.
- Primary Development: Happens in Synapsa project
- Framework Evolution: New commands, templates, and improvements are tested in real use
- Sync Direction: Synapsa → claude-simone (when improvements are stable)
- Manual Review: Each sync should be carefully reviewed, not automated
Before syncing, ask yourself:
- Is this change Synapsa-specific or would it benefit all Simone users?
- Has this been tested enough in real use?
- Will this break existing workflows?
- Is the change documented clearly?
/.claude/commands/simone/ # All command definitions
/.simone/99_TEMPLATES/ # All templates
/.simone/CLAUDE.MD # Framework instructions
/.simone/README.md # Framework documentation
/.simone/10_STATE_OF_PROJECT/ # Directory only, not contents
/.simone/00_PROJECT_MANIFEST.md
/.simone/01_PROJECT_DOCS/*
/.simone/02_REQUIREMENTS/*
/.simone/03_SPRINTS/*
/.simone/04_GENERAL_TASKS/*
/.simone/05_ARCHITECTURAL_DECISIONS/*
/.simone/10_STATE_OF_PROJECT/* (contents)
-
Identify What Changed
# From claude-simone directory # Compare commands diff -r ./.claude/commands/simone/ ~/code/synapsa/.claude/commands/simone/ # Compare templates diff -r ./.simone/99_TEMPLATES/ ~/code/synapsa/.simone/99_TEMPLATES/ # Check for new structural elements ls -la ~/code/synapsa/.simone/
-
Review Each Change Carefully
- Read through command changes - are they improvements or project-specific?
- Check template modifications - are they more generic or more specific?
- Look for new directories or conventions
-
Selective Manual Copy
- Copy only framework improvements
- Leave out Synapsa-specific adaptations
- Preserve generic examples in claude-simone
-
Test in claude-simone Context
- Ensure examples still make sense
- Verify commands work with generic project structure
- Check that documentation is project-agnostic
-
Document Changes for Users
- Update README.md with new features or changes
- Add usage examples for new commands
- Note any breaking changes or migration needs
- Consider creating a CHANGELOG.md for version history
-
Prepare for GitHub Push
- Review all documentation for clarity
- Ensure examples are helpful and generic
- Check that getting started instructions still work
- Commit with clear message about what's new
Is it a command file? → YES → Sync it
↓ NO
Is it a template? → YES → Sync it
↓ NO
Is it CLAUDE.MD or README.md in .simone/? → YES → Sync it
↓ NO
Is it a new directory structure? → YES → Create directory only
↓ NO
Don't sync (project-specific content)
- New commands: Add directly
- Modified commands: Review changes, ensure compatibility
- Removed commands: Keep if still used in project
- Always take latest version from claude-simone
- Templates should be generic enough for all projects
- New directories: Add to all projects
- Directory renames: Carefully migrate with content preservation
- Regular Syncs: Sync framework updates monthly or when new features are announced
- Test After Sync: Run a few commands to ensure everything works
- Document Custom Changes: If you modify framework files, document why
- Contribute Back: If you improve templates or commands, PR to claude-simone
# From synapsa directory
cd ~/code/synapsa
# Dry run first
rsync -av --dry-run \
--include='/.claude/commands/simone/***' \
--include='/.simone/99_TEMPLATES/***' \
--include='/.simone/CLAUDE.MD' \
--include='/.simone/README.md' \
--exclude='/*' \
~/code/claude-simone/ ./
# If looks good, run without --dry-run
rsync -av \
--include='/.claude/commands/simone/***' \
--include='/.simone/99_TEMPLATES/***' \
--include='/.simone/CLAUDE.MD' \
--include='/.simone/README.md' \
--exclude='/*' \
~/code/claude-simone/ ./
# Create any new directories
mkdir -p .simone/10_STATE_OF_PROJECTCreate them manually: mkdir -p .simone/10_STATE_OF_PROJECT
Check if it depends on new directory structures or conventions
Always prefer claude-simone version for framework files
- Automated sync script with safety checks
- Version tracking for framework components
- Compatibility matrix for different Simone versions
- Migration guides for breaking changes