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explore-codebase

Explore unfamiliar codebases and write findings to .ohc/PROJECT.md.

2|Updated Apr 26, 2026
Search Tags:#developer onboarding#project context#codebase exploration#stack detection#architecture mapping#engineering documentation#test comprehension
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/iadr-dev/colab --skill explore-codebase-iadr-dev
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explore-codebase
Source: https://github.com/iadr-dev/colab/tree/main/skills/explore-codebase
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/iadr-dev/colab --skill explore-codebase-iadr-dev

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

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

What problem does it solve?

Explore-codebase turns an unfamiliar repository into a clear, navigable understanding so you can move from guesswork to confident implementation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Systematic codebase discovery: Reads project meta, identifies entry points, checks tests, and performs source spot checks.
  • Actionable project mapping: Writes a populated .ohc/PROJECT.md with stack, architecture, conventions, entry points, and gotchas.
  • Tooling assist for accurate detection: Uses provided generator scripts to auto-detect the tech stack and fill the tech stack table.

Use cases: Start-of-project onboarding, entering a new feature area, and resuming after a long gap where prior context has been forgotten.

Quick Start

Run node skills/explore-codebase/scripts/generate-project-map.js to auto-detect the repository’s tech stack and set up the .ohc/PROJECT.md groundwork.

Frequently Asked Questions about explore-codebase

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I onboard onto an unfamiliar codebase for implementation readiness?▼

Map an unfamiliar codebase by reading project metadata, checking CI, and identifying entry points. This systematic codebase exploration generates a structured overview of architecture and conventions, moving you from guesswork to confident implementation.

What is the best way to document project architecture and conventions for developer onboarding?▼

Document project architecture by running a script to auto-detect the tech stack and populate a project map. This generates a structured markdown file capturing stack details, entry points, and gotchas for seamless developer onboarding.

How can I quickly map a new feature area when I have forgotten prior project context?▼

Map a new feature area by performing source spot checks and reading representative files to rebuild project context. This approach extracts architecture and conventions, writing findings into a dedicated project map file for quick recovery.

Does this codebase exploration approach work without external dependencies?▼

Yes, codebase exploration works without external dependencies. It operates by reading key metadata, tests, and representative source files directly from the repository, using provided generator scripts to auto-detect the tech stack.

How do I auto-detect a repository's tech stack for engineering documentation?▼

Auto-detect a repository's tech stack by executing the provided generator script. This script analyzes the codebase and automatically populates a tech stack table within your engineering documentation file.

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