investigate

Debug software issues through a structured investigation, analysis, and hypothesis-driven workflow.

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Search Tags:#code quality #debugging #troubleshooting #root cause analysis #error investigation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/smarmen86/claude-code-kit --skill investigate-smarmen86

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/smarmen86/claude-code-kit/tree/main/skills/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/smarmen86/claude-code-kit --skill investigate-smarmen86

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill addresses the inefficiency of ad-hoc debugging by enforcing a structured, four-phase investigation process that prevents superficial fixes and ensures root causes are identified.

Core Features & Use Cases

Root Cause Enforcement: Mandates a systematic approach (investigate, analyze, hypothesize, implement) to prevent recurring bugs.
Contextual Intelligence: Integrates with project-specific learnings, prior investigations, and cross-project eureka moments to accelerate troubleshooting.
Safety Guardrails: Automatically checks debug scope boundaries and project-specific freeze states before allowing code modifications.

Quick Start

Invoke the investigate skill when you encounter an error or unexpected behavior to begin a guided root cause analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigate

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

FAQPage Schema

What is the best way to debug software issues and find the root cause?▼

Systematic debugging enforces a structured four-phase workflow: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement. This root cause analysis prevents superficial fixes by ensuring you identify the actual source of errors before modifying code.

How do I perform root cause analysis using git history and local filesystem logs?▼

Root cause analysis integrates local filesystem logs, git history, and project-specific configuration files to identify error sources. By operating within repository history and recent project learnings, the investigation maintains safety boundaries and cross-project context to accurately resolve issues.

How can I prevent superficial fixes when troubleshooting unexpected code behavior?▼

To prevent superficial fixes during troubleshooting, mandate a hypothesis-driven implementation workflow. By enforcing a structured investigation and analysis phase before allowing code modifications, you ensure the root cause is identified rather than just masking the symptoms.

Does systematic debugging work with project-specific configuration files and freeze states?▼

Yes, systematic debugging works with project-specific configuration files by automatically checking debug scope boundaries and project freeze states. This integration maintains safety guardrails and ensures code modifications only occur within approved project parameters.

When should I not use ad-hoc debugging for software error investigation?▼

You should not use ad-hoc debugging when you need to prevent recurring bugs or ensure safety boundaries. Ad-hoc methods lack the structured four-phase investigation needed to identify root causes, often leading to superficial fixes and missed cross-project patterns.