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codebase-research

Trace symbol definitions, usages, and dependencies across codebase files.

2|1|Updated Apr 22, 2026
Search Tags:#architecture#codebase#dependencies#search#symbols#usages
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/pytholic/claude-skills --skill codebase-research-pytholic
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: codebase-research
Source: https://github.com/pytholic/claude-skills/tree/main/codebase-research
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/pytholic/claude-skills --skill codebase-research-pytholic

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you quickly locate, understand, and trace code inside an existing codebase without wasting time on speculative file reading. It is designed for questions like where a symbol is defined, what files use a module, how a project is structured, or whether something is still in use.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Search-first code navigation: Find relevant files and symbols before opening anything.
  • Dependency and usage tracing: Identify imports, callers, definitions, and cross-file relationships.
  • Architecture mapping: Build concise overviews of modules, entrypoints, layers, and boundaries.
  • Use case: Ask where a bug-producing function is defined, which services depend on a module, or how a folder is organized, and get a ranked, synthesized answer instead of raw search output.

Quick Start

Ask the skill to locate the definition, usages, and dependency chain for the symbol or module you want to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions about codebase-research

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I find where a function is defined and used across files in a codebase?▼

You can find where a function is defined and used across files through search-first code navigation that locates definitions, traces usages, and maps cross-file dependencies without speculative reading.

What's the best way to map out the architecture and module boundaries of an existing project?▼

Mapping architecture and module boundaries is done by analyzing the codebase to build concise overviews of modules, entrypoints, and layers, providing a ranked and synthesized structural answer.

How can I check for dead code and trace unused dependencies in my codebase?▼

Checking for dead code and tracing unused dependencies involves searching for symbols and cross-file relationships to identify definitions and imports that are no longer referenced.

Can I trace the dependency chain of a specific module without reading every file?▼

Tracing a module's dependency chain without reading every file is supported by a search-first approach that ranks relevant results and annotates locations, minimizing speculative file reading.

Does codebase search work for understanding how different services depend on a shared module?▼

Understanding how services depend on a shared module works by tracing imports, callers, and cross-file relationships to identify the exact usage boundaries and dependency layers.

Why use a search-first approach instead of manually opening files to understand code?▼

A search-first approach is used instead of manually opening files to avoid speculative reading, delivering ranked results and annotated locations for faster and more accurate codebase understanding.

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