debug

Name: debug
Availability: InStock
Author: Tale

Trace failing tests to root cause and write regression tests.

20|5|Updated Nov 30, 2025

Search Tags:#debugging #instrumentation #reproduce #hypothesis #root-cause #regression-testing #fault-isolation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/tale-project/tale --skill debug-tale-project

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: debug
Source: https://github.com/tale-project/tale/tree/main/.claude/skills/debug
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tale-project/tale --skill debug-tale-project

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The debugging loop turns a symptom into a proven root cause and a regression test that locks it shut. This is the fix mode of engineering-approach; the fix itself is easy — the discipline is not guessing.

Core Features & Use Cases

Reproduce reliably first. Find the smallest deterministic trigger (a failing test, a precise sequence) and capture the exact error, stack, and inputs. If you can't reproduce it, you can't know you fixed it.
Minimize the case. Strip unrelated state until only the bug remains — a minimal repro usually points straight at the cause.
Hypothesize a specific, falsifiable cause, not a vague hunch — read the relevant path and trace data plus dependents. A vague theory can't be confirmed or killed.
Instrument to prove the cause before fixing. Confirm or kill the hypothesis with evidence — a console.warn, relevant logs, or a breakpoint.
Fix the root cause, minimally. Change the cause, not the symptom; the smallest change that removes it.
Write the regression test that fails on the old code and passes on the new, then run verification and the surrounding suite. Without it, this exact bug can return silently.

Quick Start

Run the debugging loop on a failing test to identify the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions about debug

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I find the root cause of a failing test or flaky behavior?▼

To debug a reported bug, first reproduce the exact error and stack trace reliably, then minimize the case to remove unrelated state, hypothesize a falsifiable cause, instrument to prove it, and apply a minimal fix locked by a regression test.

What's the best way to isolate a fault when debugging an unclear error?▼

The best way to isolate a fault is to minimize the reproduction case by stripping unrelated state until only the bug remains, which usually points directly at the cause and allows you to form a falsifiable hypothesis.

Why do I need to reproduce a bug before attempting a fix?▼

You need to reproduce a bug before fixing it because a reliable, deterministic trigger is required to know you actually fixed it; without a minimal reproduction, you cannot verify that the root cause has been removed.

How does hypothesis-driven fault isolation work for software bugs?▼

Hypothesis-driven fault isolation works by forming a specific, falsifiable cause based on reading the relevant code paths and tracing data, then instrumenting the code with logs or breakpoints to confirm or kill the hypothesis before fixing.

When should I write regression testing after fixing reported bugs?▼

You should write regression testing immediately after applying a minimal fix to the root cause; the test must fail on the old code and pass on the new code to lock the bug shut and prevent it from returning silently.

Can I fix a symptom instead of the root cause when debugging flaky behavior?▼

No, you should fix the root cause minimally rather than the symptom; changing only the symptom hides the underlying fault, which is why you must instrument to prove the exact cause and verify the fix with a regression test.