explain

Explains code, functions and architecture by querying codebase interfaces and behaviors.

1|Updated Jan 12, 2026

Search Tags:#documentation #codebase analysis #developer onboarding #system architecture #code explanation #query tools

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cwilliams5/Alt-Tabby --skill explain-cwilliams5

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explain
Source: https://github.com/cwilliams5/Alt-Tabby/tree/main/.claude/skills/explain
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cwilliams5/Alt-Tabby --skill explain-cwilliams5

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps users understand complex codebases, specific files, functions, or system architectures by providing clear, concise explanations derived from querying the codebase.

Core Features & Use Cases

Architectural Walkthroughs: Get high-level overviews of how systems or features work.
Codebase Exploration: Understand the purpose and functionality of individual files and functions.
Data Flow Analysis: Trace how data moves through the system and identify key decision points.
Use Case: A developer is onboarding to a new project and needs to understand the authentication flow. They can use this Skill to get a breakdown of the relevant files, functions, and data flow involved in user login.

Quick Start

Use the explain skill to provide an architectural walkthrough of the 'Alt-Tabby' system.

Frequently Asked Questions about explain

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I understand a complex codebase for developer onboarding?▼

To understand a complex codebase for developer onboarding, you can generate architectural walkthroughs that explain system design, data flow, and key implementation details by querying function bodies and interfaces.

What is the best way to trace data flow through system architecture?▼

Tracing data flow through system architecture is done by querying global variable usage and function bodies, which helps identify key decision points and clarifies how data moves across the software.

Can I get an architectural walkthrough of specific files and functions?▼

Yes, you can get architectural walkthroughs of specific files and functions. The system queries codebase interfaces and global variable usage to provide concise explanations of their purpose and functionality.

How do I analyze codebase interfaces without loading too much context?▼

To analyze codebase interfaces without loading too much context, use dedicated query tools like query_interface.ps1 and query_function.ps1, which minimize context loading while retrieving specific implementation details.

Does this codebase analysis approach work for understanding authentication flows?▼

Yes, this codebase analysis approach works for understanding authentication flows by breaking down the relevant files, functions, and data flow involved in specific features like user login.

What are the limitations of using query tools for code explanation?▼

The limitation of using query tools for code explanation is that efficient use requires specific scripts like query_global_ownership.ps1 to minimize context loading, meaning users must rely on these tools to parse complex architectures.