proof-failure-explainer

Analyze and explain formal verification proof failures in Isabelle and Coq.

142|14|Updated Feb 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ArabelaTso/Skills-4-SE --skill proof-failure-explainer
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: proof-failure-explainer
Source: https://github.com/ArabelaTso/Skills-4-SE/tree/main/skills/proof-failure-explainer
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ArabelaTso/Skills-4-SE --skill proof-failure-explainer

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps users understand and resolve errors encountered during formal verification in theorem provers like Isabelle and Coq, which can be notoriously difficult to debug.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Root Cause Analysis: Identifies the specific reason for proof failures, such as type mismatches, unification errors, missing assumptions, or incorrect goals.
  • Diagnostic Guidance: Provides step-by-step analysis and suggests concrete solutions or alternative proof strategies.
  • Use Case: When a user gets a cryptic error message like "Unable to unify 'x + y' with 'y + z'" in Coq, this Skill can explain that the proof requires an assumption like 'x = z' and suggest how to add it or fix the goal.

Quick Start

Explain why my Coq proof failed with the error message "Unable to unify 'x + y' with 'y + z'".

Frequently Asked Questions about proof-failure-explainer

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

FAQPage Schema
Why does my Coq proof fail with an unable to unify error?

Coq unification errors occur when proof terms cannot be matched automatically. This Skill analyzes formal verification failures to identify root causes like missing assumptions or type mismatches, and suggests concrete solutions to resolve the unification issue.

How do I debug a failed formal proof in Isabelle?

To debug failed Isabelle proofs, this Skill provides step-by-step root cause analysis for inapplicable tactics and incorrect goals. It identifies the specific failure point and suggests alternative proof strategies to guide resolution.

What causes type mismatch errors in Coq theorem proving?

Type mismatch errors in Coq theorem proving happen when proof terms have incompatible types. This Skill analyzes formal verification failures to pinpoint these mismatches and provides diagnostic questions to help correct the proof goals.

How do I fix missing assumption errors in Isabelle proofs?

Missing assumption errors in Isabelle arise when required hypotheses are absent from the proof context. This Skill diagnoses formal verification failures by identifying missing assumptions and recommending best practices to add them or adjust the goal.

Can this Skill help with inapplicable tactic errors in Coq?

Yes, this Skill analyzes formal verification failures in Coq to explain why tactics are inapplicable. It identifies incorrect goals or unification failures and provides diagnostic tools to adjust your proof strategy effectively.