explain-func

Generate why-focused docstrings explaining purpose, parameters, and exceptional cases.

Updated Apr 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/li3p/skills --skill explain-func
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explain-func
Source: https://github.com/li3p/skills/tree/main/skills/explain-func
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/li3p/skills --skill explain-func

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers capture and communicate the why behind code, focusing on design intent, invariants, and trade-offs to improve maintainability and reduce onboarding time for complex logic.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Why-focused documentation: Generate docstrings that explain purpose, reasoning, and constraints rather than line-by-line behavior.
  • Invariant and trade-off clarity: Document non-obvious design choices, invariants, and performance or compatibility considerations.
  • Onboarding and maintenance: Produce guidance that helps future contributors understand intent, risks, and expected behavior.

Quick Start

Provide a target function or code block and generate a concise, why-focused docstring explaining design intent and invariants.

Frequently Asked Questions about explain-func

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write docstrings that explain design intent instead of just what the code does?

Generate why-focused docstrings by documenting purpose, design decisions, invariants, and trade-offs rather than line-by-line behavior. This approach captures rationale and constraints, improving maintainability and reducing onboarding time for complex logic.

What is the best way to document code invariants and non-obvious trade-offs for future contributors?

Documenting code invariants involves explicitly stating design choices, performance considerations, and compatibility constraints in a documentation header. This clarifies non-obvious trade-offs and helps future contributors understand expected behavior and risks without altering runtime logic.

Can I generate documentation for algorithms across different programming languages?

Yes, you can generate documentation for functions, algorithms, and code blocks across languages where reviewers need rationale. The Skill produces a docstring or documentation header containing purpose, parameters, return values, and exceptional cases regardless of language.

How do I create maintainable code documentation that helps with developer onboarding?

Create maintainable code documentation by generating concise, why-focused docstrings that explain purpose, reasoning, and constraints. This guidance helps future contributors understand intent, risks, and expected behavior, significantly reducing onboarding time for complex logic.

Does generating why-focused documentation alter my runtime logic or code behavior?

No, generating why-focused documentation does not alter runtime logic. The process produces a docstring or documentation header containing purpose, parameters, return value, and exceptional cases without changing the underlying code behavior.

When do I need to document design decisions and rationale in my function docstrings?

You need to document design decisions and rationale when code contains non-obvious design choices, invariants, or performance and compatibility considerations. Capturing this intent reduces onboarding time and improves maintainability for complex algorithms and functions.