project-recon

Detects languages and counts lines of code in a repository, outputting JSON.

35|8|Updated Feb 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/github-copilot-modernization --skill project-recon
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: project-recon
Source: https://github.com/microsoft/github-copilot-modernization/tree/main/plugins/github-copilot-modernization/skills/project-recon
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/github-copilot-modernization --skill project-recon

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Quickly assess repository size and language composition by detecting languages, counting LOC, and reporting project scale in a zero-dependency shell.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Language detection and LOC counting across a repository using POSIX shell or PowerShell templates
  • Report total LOC, per-language LOC, top-level directories, primary language, and Git status
  • Ideal for quick inventory, onboarding, and planning refactors across large codebases

Quick Start

Run the skill against your repository to produce a JSON summary of LOC, languages, and top-level directories.

Frequently Asked Questions about project-recon

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I count lines of code by language across an entire repository?

Count lines of code by language across a repository by running this skill to detect the language mix and output total LOC, per-language LOC, and the primary language in a fixed JSON structure.

What is the best way to quickly assess codebase size for a refactor?

Assess codebase size for a refactor by generating a zero-dependency recon report that quantifies total LOC, top-level directories, and language composition to inform your planning decisions.

Can I analyze repo structure and LOC using POSIX shell or PowerShell without dependencies?

Analyze repo structure and LOC using POSIX shell or PowerShell without dependencies by running the skill's built-in templates, which detect languages and count lines of code with zero external requirements.

How do I get a JSON summary of a codebase's primary language and directory structure?

Get a JSON summary of a codebase's primary language and directory structure by running the skill against your repo, which outputs fixed fields including top_level_dirs, languages, and total_loc.

Does repo recon report Git status alongside LOC and language detection?

Repo recon does report Git status alongside LOC and language detection, including the git field in the fixed JSON output to help you understand repository state during onboarding or sizing.

What limitations exist when quantifying repository size with a zero-dependency shell script?

Quantifying repository size with a zero-dependency shell script limits you to structural and LOC metrics like top-level directories and language mix, without deeper semantic or dependency-graph analysis.