explain

Explain unfamiliar code grouped by logical concepts with optional syntax details.

1|Updated Jan 18, 2026

Search Tags:#documentation #software development #syntax #programming #code understanding #code explanation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/nielsmadan/agentic-coding --skill explain-nielsmadan

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

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

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you understand unfamiliar code within a project by explaining it in a structured, concept-driven manner, rather than just file by file.

Core Features & Use Cases

Concept-based Explanation: Groups code into logical concepts (e.g., "Authentication", "Database Layer") for better comprehension.
Contextual Understanding: Explains code related to the current conversation, staged files, or user-selected files/directories.
Language Syntax Details: Optionally provides explanations of programming language syntax, idioms, and alternatives when the --code flag is used.
Use Case: When encountering a complex feature like user authentication in a new project, use /explain --all to select the relevant directories and get a clear breakdown of how different parts of the code work together to handle logins, sessions, and permissions.

Quick Start

Use the explain skill to understand the code in git staged files.

Frequently Asked Questions about explain

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I understand unfamiliar code in a new project?▼

You can understand unfamiliar code by grouping files into logical concepts like Authentication or Database Layer, providing a structured overview rather than a file-by-file breakdown of code functionality.

What is the best way to explain code grouped by logical concepts?▼

Explaining code grouped by logical concepts involves analyzing project structure contextually, using interactive file or directory selection to clarify how different code components work together for specific features.

How do I get code explanations for git staged files?▼

Getting code explanations for git staged files involves using the explain Skill to automatically process and break down the functionality and syntax of currently staged code changes.

Can I include programming language syntax details when explaining code?▼

You can include programming language syntax details when explaining code by using the `--code` flag, which provides explanations of language idioms, syntax specifics, and alternatives.

Does concept-based code explanation work with user-selected directories?▼

Concept-based code explanation works with user-selected directories by supporting interactive file and directory selection, ensuring the generated explanation focuses on the specific project structure and code functionality you need.