excavate

Generate one feature spec per excavation for codebases with identifiable entry points.

6|Updated Oct 7, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/rjroy/vibe-garden --skill excavate
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: excavate
Source: https://github.com/rjroy/vibe-garden/tree/main/lore-development/skills/excavate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/rjroy/vibe-garden --skill excavate

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps teams document an existing codebase by producing one feature-spec document per excavation, enabling a manageable map of system capabilities over time.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Progressive discovery: Document one feature at a time to build a navigable feature map.
  • Entry-point tracing: Identify API routes, CLI commands, UI components, and message handlers to map how users interact with the code.
  • Reference generation: Create per-feature .lore/reference documents and maintain an excavation index for traceability.

Quick Start

/lore-development:excavate

Frequently Asked Questions about excavate

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I document codebase features progressively without getting overwhelmed?

Progressive codebase documentation generates one feature spec per excavation, creating a manageable map of system capabilities over time instead of documenting everything at once.

What is the best way to map API routes and CLI commands to user-facing features?

Mapping API routes and CLI commands involves tracing identifiable entry points to generate per-feature reference documents, linking them in an excavation index for system navigation.

Can I trace UI components and message handlers to build a feature map for an existing codebase?

Yes, tracing UI components and message handlers identifies how users interact with the code, enabling a progressive feature map through per-feature spec generation and reference documentation.

How does generating one feature spec at a time help document an existing codebase?

Generating one feature spec per excavation breaks codebase documentation into manageable steps, producing navigable `.lore/reference` documents and maintaining an excavation index for traceability.

Does this approach work for codebases with identifiable entry points like API routes?

Yes, progressive excavation applies to codebases with identifiable entry points such as API routes, CLI commands, and UI components, generating per-feature reference documents under `.lore/reference`.

What are the limitations of progressive codebase excavation for feature documentation?

Progressive excavation requires codebases with identifiable entry points like API routes or UI components; codebases without clear entry points cannot be progressively mapped using this feature spec approach.