diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 51be7e7..fc0f199 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -26,6 +26,55 @@ To remove the scheduled task:
 Unregister-ScheduledTask -TaskName "MediaServer" -Confirm:$false
 ```
 
+## Development Workflow
+
+### Server Restart After Code Changes
+
+**CRITICAL:** When making changes to backend code (Python files, API routes, service logic), the media server MUST be restarted for changes to take effect.
+
+**When to restart:**
+
+- Changes to any Python files (`*.py`) in the media_server directory
+- Changes to API endpoints, routes, or request/response models
+- Changes to service logic, callbacks, or script execution
+- Changes to configuration handling or startup logic
+
+**When restart is NOT needed:**
+
+- Static file changes (`*.html`, `*.css`, `*.js`, `*.json`) - browser refresh is enough
+- README or documentation updates
+- Changes to install/service scripts (only affects new installations)
+
+**How to restart during development:**
+
+1. Find the running server process:
+
+   ```bash
+   # Windows
+   netstat -ano | findstr :8765
+
+   # Linux/macOS
+   lsof -i :8765
+   ```
+
+2. Stop the server:
+
+   ```bash
+   # Windows
+   taskkill //F //PID <process_id>
+
+   # Linux/macOS
+   kill <process_id>
+   ```
+
+3. Start the server again:
+
+   ```bash
+   python -m media_server.main
+   ```
+
+**Best Practice:** Always restart the server immediately after committing backend changes to verify they work correctly before pushing.
+
 ## Configuration
 
 Copy `config.example.yaml` to `config.yaml` and customize.