claudes_game/docs/session_summaries/2026-01-04-condensing-documentation.md

Documentation Condensing Session (2026-01-04)

Changes Made:

1. Condensed implementation_plan.md (236→112 lines)

• Renamed to "Technical Reference"
• Updated data structures to match actual code (added eccentricity, semi_major_axis, max_bodies, RenderState)
• Replaced detailed implementation steps with completed/remaining status
• Removed redundant function lists (already in headers)
• Added user's note about Newton-Raphson propagation method

2. Condensed test_verification.md (143→62 lines)

• Updated for current test_simple.txt (4 bodies including eccentric comet)
• Removed detailed step-by-step verification points
• Kept essential: test command, expected behavior, tolerances

3. Condensed config_assumptions.md (115→44 lines)

• Removed redundant format documentation (already in README.md)
• Removed verbose session notes and code references
• Focused on active TODOs and known bugs only

4. Removed architecture duplication from CLAUDE.md

• Removed ~70 lines of detailed architecture (duplicate of verbose_project_overview.md)
• Now points to verbose_project_overview.md for technical details
• Added make test to common commands

5. Removed common commands from verbose_project_overview.md

• Commands now only in CLAUDE.md (single source)
• Remains canonical technical architecture reference

6. Added test target to Makefile

• make test runs: ./orbit_sim configs/test_simple.txt --headless --readable --days 365

File Purposes Established

• README.md: User-facing guide
• CLAUDE.md: Concise Claude guidance + commands
• docs/verbose_project_overview.md: Canonical technical architecture
• docs/implementation_plan.md: Data structures reference
• docs/config_assumptions.md: Active issues & TODOs
• docs/test_verification.md: Test reference

Commits

• af1b54b Condense and deduplicate project documentation

Results

Net reduction: 278 lines removed (6 files changed, +132/-410) Documentation now DRY with clear separation of concerns.