Refactor CLAUDE.md and README.md for clarity and accuracy

[jfrench9]

Summary of Changes

This PR refactors and aligns the project's primary documentation files (CLAUDE.md and README.md) to better reflect the current state of the application, improve clarity, and ensure consistency across developer-facing docs.

CLAUDE.md Overhaul

• Reorganized structure: Consolidated sections for core development commands, code quality tooling, and testing strategy into a more logical and scannable layout
• Enhanced clarity: Rewrote command descriptions for better usability and developer onboarding
• Updated sections: Refined documentation around the authentication system, API routes, and deployment notes to match current implementation
• Net reduction of ~85 lines: Eliminated redundancy and tightened language without losing information (-174 lines rewritten, net -51 lines)

README.md Updates

• Renamed "AI Chat" → "AI Console": Reflects the rebranded feature name across the application
• Added SDLC commands: New documentation for branch management and deployment workflow commands
• Revised feature descriptions: Updated copy for Dashboard, Reports, and Settings sections for accuracy and clarity
• Version bump: Updated Next.js version reference to 16
• Copyright year: Corrected to 2026

Key UI/UX Improvements

No direct UI/UX changes — this PR is documentation-only. However, the README updates (AI Chat → AI Console rename, revised feature descriptions) ensure that external-facing documentation accurately represents the current user experience.

Breaking Changes

• None — Documentation-only changes with no impact on application code or runtime behavior.
• Note for contributors: Developers referencing the old "AI Chat" terminology in internal docs, tickets, or communication should adopt "AI Console" going forward to maintain consistency.

Testing Notes for Reviewers

1. No functional testing required — No application code was modified.
2. Review for accuracy: Please verify that the CLAUDE.md development commands, authentication system notes, and API route descriptions match the current codebase behavior.
3. Review SDLC commands: Confirm the newly documented branch and deployment management commands in README.md are correct and complete.
4. Link validation: Check that any internal or external links in both files resolve correctly.
5. Markdown rendering: Preview both files on GitHub to ensure formatting (headings, code blocks, lists) renders cleanly.

Browser Compatibility Considerations

Not applicable — this PR contains only Markdown documentation changes with no impact on client-side rendering or browser behavior.

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🤖 Generated with Claude Code

Branch Info:

• Source: refactor/align-readme
• Target: main
• Type: feature

Co-Authored-By: Claude noreply@anthropic.com