code-archaeology

Map a codebase's architecture and onboarding flow for new developers.

Updated May 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/resultakak/argos --skill code-archaeology-resultakak
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: code-archaeology
Source: https://github.com/resultakak/argos/tree/main/skills/code-archaeology
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/resultakak/argos --skill code-archaeology-resultakak

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Onboard a new developer or AI session quickly by turning a codebase into a navigable map with structured guidance, preserving tribal knowledge in the repo.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Decision tree navigation to identify the right files for common tasks (e.g., onboarding, architecture mapping, or ADRs).
  • Stack tour and C4-based architecture map to provide a high-level and drill-down view of the repo components.
  • Glossary for domain terms, tooling, and workflows to standardize language across teams.
  • Common task playbooks for typical developer tasks (endpoint addition, migrations, incident response).
  • Code archaeology methodology using git log/blame, ADRs, and postmortems to explain design decisions.
  • Tribal knowledge extraction mechanisms to capture tacit knowledge in ADRs and runbooks.
  • Onboarding KPIs and lightweight evaluation to measure progress.

Quick Start

Clone the repository and follow the onboarding workflow to build your first repo map.

Frequently Asked Questions about code-archaeology

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is code archaeology and how does it help with developer onboarding?

Code archaeology is a methodology to map a codebase's architecture and onboarding flow. It uses git log, blame, and ADRs to extract tribal knowledge, turning the repository into a navigable map for rapid developer integration.

How do I map a codebase architecture for new developers?

You map a codebase architecture by generating a C4-based map and stack tour. This provides a high-level overview and drill-down view of repo components, guided by a decision tree to identify the right files for common tasks.

How do I extract tribal knowledge from a repository using git history?

Extract tribal knowledge by performing code archaeology with git log and git blame. This methodology uncovers historical design decisions, which are then captured in ADRs and postmortems to preserve context within the repository.

Can I generate playbooks for common developer tasks from an existing codebase?

Yes, you can generate common task playbooks for typical tasks like endpoint addition, migrations, and incident response. The Skill creates structured guidance by analyzing the repository's architecture and decision trees.

Do I need external systems or tools to start mapping my repository architecture?

No, you do not need external systems to start repository mapping. The Skill requires no external systems beyond the repository itself and its SKILL.md frontmatter to validate outputs via a structured onboarding checklist.