phase-gated-debugging

Orchestrates a 5-phase debugging workflow that blocks edits until root cause confirmation for intermittent errors.

27|5|Updated Apr 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills --skill phase-gated-debugging
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: phase-gated-debugging
Source: https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills/tree/main/skills/phase-gated-debugging
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills --skill phase-gated-debugging

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

AI coding agents see an error and immediately edit code. They guess at fixes, get it wrong, and spiral. This skill enforces a strict 5-phase protocol where you CANNOT edit source code until the root cause is identified and confirmed.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phases: REPRODUCE, ISOLATE, ROOT CAUSE, FIX, VERIFY with explicit rules to avoid premature edits.
  • Guardrails: prevents code edits during diagnosis and requires user confirmation before applying fixes.
  • Use Case: when debugging intermittent or hard-to-reproduce bugs, it stabilizes the workflow and improves confidence in fixes.

Quick Start

Run the 5-phase debugging protocol on the failing issue and obtain a confirmed root cause before applying any fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions about phase-gated-debugging

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I stop an AI coding agent from making premature edits when debugging intermittent issues?

A phase-gated debugging workflow prevents premature edits by enforcing reproduce, isolate, and root-cause phases where code modification is blocked, ensuring the agent confirms the root cause before applying any fixes.

What is the best workflow to find the root cause of hard-to-reproduce bugs in AI-assisted coding?

A structured 5-phase debugging protocol is best for hard-to-reproduce bugs, guiding the agent sequentially through reproduce, isolate, root-cause, fix, and verify stages to systematically identify and resolve the underlying issue.

How do I verify a bug fix without introducing new issues during AI debugging?

You verify a bug fix by running the original failing tests that triggered the debugging workflow, ensuring the specific intermittent error is resolved and preventing new regressions during the AI debugging process.

Can I enforce user confirmation before an AI agent applies a code fix?

Yes, you can enforce user confirmation by implementing guardrails within the debugging workflow that block the fix phase until explicit user approval is granted following the root cause identification.

When should I use a structured debugging protocol instead of letting the AI agent freely edit code?

Use a structured debugging protocol instead of free-editing when tackling intermittent or hard-to-reproduce errors, as it prevents the AI from guessing fixes and spiraling, stabilizing the workflow to improve fix confidence.