diagnosing-bugs

Enforce a structured debugging workflow for hard-to-reproduce software bugs.

1|Updated Apr 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff --skill diagnosing-bugs-hschne
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: diagnosing-bugs
Source: https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff/tree/main/skills/diagnosing-bugs
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff --skill diagnosing-bugs-hschne

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill eliminates the guesswork and wasted time when tackling hard-to-reproduce software bugs and performance regressions that lack clear error messages or consistent reproduction steps.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured 6-phase debugging workflow: Enforces building a tight, deterministic feedback loop before forming hypotheses, preventing wasted effort on unproven theories.
  • Specialized guidance for edge cases: Includes tactics for non-deterministic flaky bugs, performance regressions, and scenarios where no automated repro can be built.
  • Use case example: If you have an intermittent 500 error that only occurs under high load, this skill walks you through building a load test repro, generating falsifiable hypotheses, and adding a regression test to lock in the fix.

Quick Start

Use the diagnosing-bugs skill to investigate the intermittent checkout failure that occurs when users apply a discount code.

Frequently Asked Questions about diagnosing-bugs

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I debug an intermittent production error that only happens under high load?

Debugging intermittent production errors requires building a load test reproducer first. A structured workflow enforces deterministic reproduction, generates falsifiable hypotheses, and adds regression tests to lock in the fix.

What's the best way to diagnose flaky test failures without clear error traces?

Diagnosing flaky test failures involves specialized tactics for non-deterministic bugs. You enforce building a tight feedback loop before forming hypotheses, preventing wasted effort on unproven theories.

How do I find the root cause of a slow API endpoint performance regression?

Finding a slow API endpoint performance regression requires targeted instrumentation and falsifiable hypothesis testing. A structured 6-phase debugging workflow systematically isolates the bottleneck.

Can I diagnose software bugs when I cannot build an automated reproducer?

You can diagnose software bugs without an automated reproducer using specialized guidance for edge cases. The workflow adapts to scenarios where deterministic reproduction is impossible.

How do I stop hard-to-reproduce bugs from recurring after fixing them?

Stop hard-to-reproduce bugs from recurring by implementing regression tests. The debugging workflow requires implementing a regression test to verify the fix and prevent future recurrence.