explore-codebase

Trace call paths and search symbols to understand unfamiliar codebases.

3|Updated May 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/anortham/miller --skill explore-codebase-anortham
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explore-codebase
Source: https://github.com/anortham/miller/tree/main/.claude/skills/explore-codebase
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/anortham/miller --skill explore-codebase-anortham

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Autonomously explore unfamiliar codebases using semantic search, symbol navigation, and call path tracing to form a mental model without reading entire files.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Semantic search (fast_search) and symbol navigation
  • fast_refs for references across the codebase
  • trace_call_path for cross-language execution flow
  • fast_explore for multi-mode exploration

Quick Start

Ask to explore this codebase to understand architecture or core components.

Frequently Asked Questions about explore-codebase

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I quickly understand an unfamiliar codebase architecture?

Use semantic search and symbol navigation to explore codebase structure without reading entire files. The Skill applies fast_search, get_symbols, and fast_explore to map core components, call paths, and execution flow across languages, forming a mental model efficiently.

Can I trace execution flow across multiple programming languages?

Yes. trace_call_path traces execution across languages, and fast_refs locates references throughout the codebase. This enables you to follow function calls and data flow regardless of which languages your project uses.

How do I locate specific components and call paths in a large codebase?

Symbol navigation and fast_search perform semantic search to find components by intent, while trace_call_path maps execution flow between them. This targets top-down, feature, and bug-investigation patterns while minimizing tokens.

What's the best way to explore code architecture without manual file review?

Semantic search combined with symbol navigation and call-path tracing let you form an accurate mental model through guided exploration. The Skill prioritizes token efficiency and supports multiple exploration patterns—top-down feature discovery, bug tracing, and code-health analysis.

Can I use this for code health analysis and bug investigation?

Yes. The Skill supports code-health and bug-investigation patterns alongside feature exploration. Use fast_refs and trace_call_path to identify problem areas and trace their impact across the codebase.

Does this work when I need to understand how components interact?

Yes. fast_refs and trace_call_path map component interactions and dependencies. Combined with semantic search and symbol navigation, they reveal how features flow through the architecture.