investigate

Identify bug root causes by collecting symptoms, reading code, and testing hypotheses.

Updated Apr 1, 2026

Search Tags:#debugging #investigation #root-cause #reproduction #hypothesis-testing #regression-testing #code-reading

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/viraatdas/vstack --skill investigate-viraatdas

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/viraatdas/vstack/tree/main/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/viraatdas/vstack --skill investigate-viraatdas

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with root-cause investigation to stop chasing symptoms and expose the real cause behind errors, failures, and unexpected behavior.

Core Features & Use Cases

Iron Law workflow: gather symptoms, read code, hypothesize, implement fixes.
Use cases include debugging 500 errors, stack traces, flaky tests, and performance regressions across projects.

Quick Start

Read the error, collect symptoms, and follow the structured root-cause investigation to reproduce, hypothesize, and verify a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigate

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I find the root cause of a bug instead of just fixing symptoms?▼

Root-cause debugging works by collecting symptoms, reading the code, and forming hypotheses. You then reproduce the issue, test each hypothesis systematically, and verify the fix with regression checks to expose the real cause.

What is the best way to debug 500 errors and stack traces systematically?▼

Debugging 500 errors and stack traces requires a structured investigation workflow. You gather symptoms from the error, read the relevant code paths, hypothesize the failure point, reproduce it, and apply targeted fixes verified by regression testing.

How do I reproduce flaky tests and performance regressions for hypothesis testing?▼

Reproducing flaky tests and performance regressions involves following a repeatable plan to trigger the issue consistently. Once reproduced, you form hypotheses about the root cause and test each one until you verify the targeted fix.

Can I use a structured debugging workflow for any software engineering project?▼

Yes, this systematic debugging workflow applies across projects for various failures, including 500 errors, stack traces, and flaky tests. It requires no specific dependencies and uses an Iron Law workflow to gather symptoms and read code.

Why does my code keep failing after applying fixes without regression testing?▼

Without regression testing, fixes often address symptoms rather than the root cause. Systematic debugging requires verifying the fix with regression checks to ensure the unexpected behavior is resolved and prevent future recurrence.

When should I stop reading code and start forming hypotheses during an investigation?▼

During a root-cause investigation, you transition to forming hypotheses after gathering symptoms and reading the relevant code. This structured approach ensures your hypotheses are grounded in the actual codebase before you reproduce and test them.