debugging

Trace code paths from symptom to root cause with file:line references.

Updated Aug 27, 2026

Search Tags:#debugging #investigation #hypothesis #software-engineering #root-cause-analysis #bug-fix #code-trace

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/zcawood-mie/agentz --skill debugging-zcawood-mie

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: debugging
Source: https://github.com/zcawood-mie/agentz/tree/main/skills/debugging
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zcawood-mie/agentz --skill debugging-zcawood-mie

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill provides a structured methodology for debugging, investigating root causes, and guiding bug resolution in software systems.

Core Features & Use Cases

Establish symptoms, reproduce steps, and scope the issue to guide debugging.
Form and test one hypothesis at a time, tracing data and control flow.
Trace the code path from symptom to root cause and document findings with file:line references.
Coordinate single-agent or multi-agent debugging for complex, cross-domain bugs.

Quick Start

Describe the bug, choose investigation mode, then follow the six-phase methodology to isolate and fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions about debugging

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I find the root cause of a software bug instead of just patching symptoms?▼

Root-cause analysis isolates software bugs by establishing symptoms, reproducing steps, and tracing code paths from symptom to source. This methodology forms and tests one hypothesis at a time, documenting findings with file:line references to ensure the actual defect is fixed.

What is the best way to investigate cross-domain bugs in a production incident?▼

Production incident investigation uses a structured six-phase methodology to coordinate single-agent or multi-agent debugging across domains. It scopes the issue, traces data and control flow, and generates a formal report to resolve complex cross-domain regressions.

How do I trace code paths to fix a regression I can reproduce?▼

Code-path tracing follows a six-phase workflow that moves from reproduced symptoms to root cause by testing hypotheses sequentially. It maps data and control flow through the codebase, documenting every finding with precise file:line references for a fast fix.

Can I use structured hypothesis testing for single-repo debugging?▼

Yes, structured hypothesis testing applies to single-repo debugging by forming and testing one hypothesis at a time. The methodology traces data and control flow within the repository to isolate the root cause and guide the bug fix.

When should I use multi-agent debugging instead of a single-agent approach?▼

Multi-agent debugging is suited for complex, cross-domain investigations where a single agent cannot trace all dependencies. It coordinates multiple agents to follow the six-phase methodology, isolating root causes across different systems and generating a formal report.

What does a structured bug investigation report include?▼

A structured bug investigation report documents the root-cause analysis findings, including traced code paths, tested hypotheses, and specific file:line references. It follows a six-phase workflow to formally record the progression from symptom to resolution.