explain

Explain code, architecture, or system behavior with layered summaries and step-by-step walkthroughs.

Updated Feb 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/maggit/claude-workspace --skill explain-maggit
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explain
Source: https://github.com/maggit/claude-workspace/tree/main/skills/explain
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/maggit/claude-workspace --skill explain-maggit

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Explain code, architecture, or system behavior to users who need detailed understanding across languages and platforms.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Layered explanations: Provide a concise one-line summary, a high-level overview, a step-by-step walkthrough, and optional deeper details on request.
  • Audience-driven depth: Adjust terminology and depth based on the user's background (beginner to expert).
  • Contextual references: Link to related files, modules, or patterns to show how components relate within the codebase.
  • Practical workflows: Apply to code reviews, onboarding, debugging, architecture discussions, and knowledge transfer.

Quick Start

Provide a layered explanation for the target code starting with a one-line summary and expanding into a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions about explain

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I explain code architecture to new developers during onboarding?

To explain code architecture during onboarding, provide a layered walkthrough starting with a one-line summary, expanding into a high-level overview, and detailing a step-by-step walkthrough. This adjusts terminology based on the developer's background and references related modules.

What is the best way to walk through complex system behavior for knowledge transfer?

The best way to walk through system behavior for knowledge transfer is to use a layered explanation model. Start with a concise summary, move to a high-level overview, provide a step-by-step walkthrough, and offer deeper details only when requested by the audience.

Can I adjust code explanation depth for different audience backgrounds?

Yes, you can adjust code explanation depth for different audience backgrounds. The approach tailors terminology and detail levels from beginner to expert, ensuring the explanation satisfies requirements for targeted depth and multi-layer understanding across languages and frameworks.

How do I provide contextual references when explaining a codebase during code review?

To provide contextual references during code review, link related files, modules, and patterns within the explanation. This demonstrates how components relate within the codebase architecture and supports multi-layer explanations for debugging and knowledge transfer.

Does this approach work for explaining code across different programming languages and frameworks?

Yes, this approach works for explaining code across different programming languages and frameworks. It applies during code review, onboarding, debugging, and knowledge transfer, satisfying requirements for multi-layer explanations regardless of the specific platform.

When do I need a multi-layer explanation for debugging system behavior?

You need a multi-layer explanation for debugging system behavior when you require targeted depth and contextual references to related files. This approach starts with a one-line summary and expands into a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to isolate issues.