investigate

Identify software bug root causes through a four-phase investigation process.

Updated Apr 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zz8011/harnesstest --skill investigate-zz8011
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/zz8011/harnesstest/tree/main/.claude/skills/gstack/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zz8011/harnesstest --skill investigate-zz8011

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with root cause investigation helps teams move from symptoms to a verified fix by following a disciplined process.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured four-phase approach: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, implement.
  • Evidence collection and code tracing guidance, with proactive suggestions when user reports errors.
  • Documentation of findings and outcomes to ensure traceability and prevent regressions.

Quick Start

Start the investigation by collecting symptoms, inspecting relevant code paths, and forming a four-phase plan to identify the root cause.

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 identify software bugs?

Root-cause debugging identifies software bugs through a structured four-phase investigation: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement. It guides engineers from symptoms collection to a verified fix using evidence-driven reasoning and deterministic testing.

How do I start troubleshooting an error when a user reports it?

Start troubleshooting a reported error by collecting symptoms, inspecting relevant code paths, and proactively reviewing recent changes. Form a four-phase plan to investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement to reproduce and verify the underlying issue.

What is the best way to reproduce and verify a software bug fix?

The best way to verify a software bug fix is by applying deterministic hypothesis testing. This enforces scope locking and evidence collection during the investigation phase to accurately reproduce the underlying issue before implementing changes.

How do I trace code paths to find the root cause of a regression?

Trace code paths to find the root cause of a regression by reviewing recent changes and collecting error symptoms. This structured approach enforces scope locking and documents outcomes at each phase to prevent future regressions.

Can I use this structured investigation process for any scale of software analysis?

Yes, you can use this structured investigation process for any software analysis scale. It has no external dependencies and enforces best practices like scope locking and evidence-driven reasoning to systematically resolve bugs across projects.