codebase-analysis

Analyze unfamiliar codebases with phased, evidence-based investigation and file:line references.

Updated Jan 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mikewaters/mdindex --skill codebase-analysis-mikewaters
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: codebase-analysis
Source: https://github.com/mikewaters/mdindex/tree/main/.claude/skills/codebase-analysis
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mikewaters/mdindex --skill codebase-analysis-mikewaters

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a systematic and evidence-based approach to understanding unfamiliar codebases, enabling thorough security reviews, performance analyses, and architectural evaluations before making significant changes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phased Analysis: Guides through exploration, focus selection, planning, deep investigation, verification, and synthesis.
  • Evidence-Driven: Requires explicit documentation of findings with file:line references and quoted code.
  • Use Case: Before planning a major authentication refactor, use this Skill to analyze the existing codebase, focusing on security and architecture, to ensure all potential issues are identified and documented with concrete evidence.

Quick Start

Use the analyze skill to understand this codebase, focusing on security and architecture before we plan the authentication refactor.

Frequently Asked Questions about codebase-analysis

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I conduct a security review on an unfamiliar codebase?

Analyze unfamiliar codebases by running a Python script that executes a multi-phase evaluation. It guides you through exploration, focus selection, deep investigation, and verification, ensuring architecture evaluation is grounded in structured investigation and explicit evidence collection.

What is the best way to evaluate code architecture before a major refactor?

Evaluate code architecture by running a multi-phased codebase analysis that mandates structured investigation and evidence collection. It systematically explores the project, verifies architectural patterns, and synthesizes findings grounded in explicit file:line references and quoted code snippets before you plan changes.

Do I need a Python environment to perform codebase analysis?

Yes, you need a Python execution environment to run the analysis script. The skill requires this environment to execute its systematic, multi-phase investigation process for codebase understanding, security reviews, performance assessments, and architectural evaluations.

How to systematically document code findings with evidence?

Document code findings with evidence by following a phased analysis approach that requires explicit documentation. It mandates collecting evidence via file:line references and quoted code snippets during deep investigation, culminating in a final synthesis report of your findings.

Can I assess codebase performance without reading every file?

Assess codebase performance by using a phased analysis approach that guides through exploration and focus selection before deep investigation. This targeted performance analysis identifies critical areas systematically, requiring evidence collection via file:line references rather than manually reading every file.