ix-understand

Generate architectural mental models from Ix graph data with confidence scoring.

7|2|Updated Mar 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ix-infrastructure/ix-claude-plugin --skill ix-understand
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ix-understand
Source: https://github.com/ix-infrastructure/ix-claude-plugin/tree/main/skills/ix-understand
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ix-infrastructure/ix-claude-plugin --skill ix-understand

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

ix-understand turns a codebase into a clear architectural mental model so you can understand structure, key subsystems, and important components without wasting tokens on broad source reading.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Graph-first architectural orientation: Builds a system overview using Ix graph data (subsystems, ranks, and codebase scale metrics) with confidence-aware caveats.
  • Depth-controlled analysis: Offers --shallow, --medium, and --deep modes to balance speed vs completeness.
  • Agent-backed exploration when needed: Delegates deeper subsystem exploration to ix-memory:ix-system-explorer agents in --medium and --deep routes, reducing manual graph command work.

Quick Start

Run ix-understand to generate a whole-repo architectural overview from graph metrics: /ix-understand .

Frequently Asked Questions about ix-understand

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I map software architecture from a codebase without reading source files?

You can map software architecture by using graph-first evidence to build a structural mental model. This approach uses codebase scale metrics and subsystem ranks to generate an overview, avoiding broad source reading and wasted tokens.

What is graph reasoning for system decomposition and how does it work?

Graph reasoning for system decomposition builds an architectural mental model by parsing graph data evidence. It runs orient commands in parallel, labels structural claims as graph or inferred, and applies confidence scoring to map subsystems accurately.

How do I speed up developer onboarding for a complex repository?

Speed up developer onboarding by generating a detailed architectural mental model of the repository. Using graph data and confidence-aware caveats provides a rapid understanding of structural shape, key subsystems, and components before deeper investigation.

Can I control the depth of architectural analysis to balance speed and completeness?

Yes, you can control architectural analysis depth using shallow, medium, and deep modes. Medium and deep modes delegate subsystem exploration to agents, balancing speed versus completeness while reducing manual graph command work.

Does agent orchestration help with risk-aware analysis during design reviews?

Agent orchestration supports risk-aware analysis by delegating deeper subsystem exploration during design reviews. It uses confidence scoring and labels claims as graph or inferred, ensuring structural understanding is backed by evidence before changes.

What are the limitations of using graph data for codebase understanding?

Graph data for codebase understanding relies on available metrics and subsystem ranks. Claims are labeled as graph or inferred with confidence scoring, meaning highly inferred architectural models may require deeper agent-backed exploration to validate structural assumptions.