investigating-bugs

Perform structured root-cause analysis before implementing minimal fixes.

1|Updated Dec 31, 2025

Search Tags:#debugging #investigation #troubleshooting #reproducibility #root-cause #phase-based

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/allen-hsu/agent-arsenal --skill investigating-bugs

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigating-bugs
Source: https://github.com/allen-hsu/agent-arsenal/tree/main/plugins/engineering-core/skills/investigating-bugs
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/allen-hsu/agent-arsenal --skill investigating-bugs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with root-cause investigation to avoid fixing symptoms and to improve long-term reliability.

Core Features & Use Cases

Phase-driven root-cause analysis across codebases.
Structured reproduction, evidence collection, and scoped edits to prevent scope creep.
Guidance on creating deterministic fixes and regression tests.

Quick Start

Initiate a structured root-cause debugging session to identify the underlying cause and outline a minimal, testable fix.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigating-bugs

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

FAQPage Schema

What is the best way to perform root-cause debugging on a user-reported issue?▼

Root-cause debugging uses a structured five-phase workflow: investigate, pattern analysis, hypothesis testing, implementation, and verification. It enforces evidence collection and minimal diff fixes to solve the underlying issue rather than just treating symptoms.

How do I prevent scope creep when troubleshooting errors across multiple modules?▼

To prevent scope creep during troubleshooting, enforce risk-limited scope restrictions and apply minimal diff fixes. Structured reproduction and evidence collection keep edits targeted to the verified root cause rather than expanding into unrelated codebase areas.

How do I create deterministic fixes for reproducible bugs in my codebase?▼

To create deterministic fixes for reproducible bugs, perform hypothesis testing and pattern analysis before implementation. Follow the structured workflow to collect evidence, apply minimal diffs, and generate regression tests to verify the fix.

Can I use structured investigation for debugging deployments with unexpected behavior?▼

Yes, structured investigation is applicable to codebases and deployments exhibiting errors or unexpected behavior. It requires clear scope restrictions and reproducible steps to systematically identify and fix the root cause across modules.

Why does fixing symptoms without root-cause analysis lead to recurring issues?▼

Fixing symptoms without root-cause analysis leads to recurring issues because the underlying fault remains unresolved. A phase-driven investigation enforces evidence collection and hypothesis testing to ensure the actual defect is addressed deterministically.