Semantic Anchors & Contracts
Use one known term to steer the model. Define your own meaning when the project needs it.
What it is
Semantic Anchors are public terms you can say to an LLM and expect a useful result. The term pulls in a known pattern. For example, arc42 points to an architecture template, BLUF means lead with the answer, and Gherkin points to acceptance tests.
What contracts add
Contracts are local. They tell the team what a term means in this repository. That keeps the anchor useful and keeps the output consistent.
Semantic cluster
Hover a nodeSemantic anchor
One term, one cluster
arc42
Architecture template
Semantic contract
Write the local meaning down in AGENTS.md or CLAUDE.md.
Anchor → Contract in two steps
Use a known term first, then fix its meaning for your project.
Anchor: invoke a known term
Use an established term so the model activates its full knowledge.
String prompt = "Use TDD, London School for the transfer service.";The model applies outside-in design, mocks at boundaries, no extra explanation needed.