investigate

Identify root causes of bugs by collecting symptoms, stack traces, and reproduction steps.

15|1|Updated Apr 4, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/howdeploy/NekoFree --skill investigate-howdeploy
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/howdeploy/NekoFree/tree/main/skills/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/howdeploy/NekoFree --skill investigate-howdeploy

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with root-cause investigation helps engineers avoid chasing symptoms and ship reliable fixes by focusing on the actual cause of a bug.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guided four-phase workflow: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, implement.
  • Collect symptoms, reproduction steps, and evidence to form testable hypotheses.
  • Use when confronted with errors, stack traces, or unexpected behavior to accelerate root-cause analysis.

Quick Start

Reproduce the issue with minimal steps, document observed symptoms, and identify the underlying cause before proposing a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigate

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

FAQPage Schema
What is root-cause debugging and how does it prevent recurring bugs?

Root-cause debugging systematically identifies the actual cause of a bug by collecting symptoms, stack traces, and reproduction steps. This enforces evidence gathering and documented conclusions before any fix is attempted, preventing engineers from chasing symptoms.

How do I systematically debug errors and crashes using stack traces?

To systematically debug errors and crashes, follow a four-phase workflow: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement. Collect stack traces and reproduction steps to form testable hypotheses, guiding you through root-cause analysis before proposing a fix.

How do I reproduce a bug with minimal steps to find the root cause?

To reproduce a bug with minimal steps, document observed symptoms and create reproducible scenarios. This minimal reproduction isolates the issue, allowing you to identify the underlying cause accurately before moving to the hypothesis and implementation phases.

What's the best way to analyze performance regressions across a codebase?

The best way to analyze performance regressions is to apply a guided four-phase workflow: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement. Collect evidence and reproduction steps to form testable hypotheses, ensuring a documented root-cause conclusion before fixing.

Can I use a systematic debugging workflow for unexpected behavior in my code?

Yes, you can use a systematic debugging workflow for unexpected behavior. It guides you through investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement phases, enforcing evidence gathering and reproducible scenarios to accelerate root-cause analysis for any errors or regressions.

Why should I document reproduction steps before attempting a bug fix?

You should document reproduction steps before attempting a bug fix because the workflow enforces evidence gathering and reproducible scenarios. This ensures a documented root-cause conclusion is reached first, helping engineers avoid chasing symptoms and ship reliable fixes.