researching-codebases

Name: researching-codebases
Availability: InStock
Author: ReadyStateChange

Analyze codebases to produce structured findings with evidence and file references.

Updated Mar 8, 2026

Search Tags:#architecture #documentation #research #codebase #evidence #references #traces

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/ReadyStateChange/agents --skill researching-codebases-readystatechange

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: researching-codebases
Source: https://github.com/ReadyStateChange/agents/tree/main/skills/researching-codebases
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ReadyStateChange/agents --skill researching-codebases-readystatechange

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Researching codebases to map current architecture, call paths, and technical context using evidence from code and docs. It helps teams understand a system before planning changes.

Core Features & Use Cases

Describe what exists, where it exists, and how pieces connect.
Decompose questions into focused research areas and locate implementations using targeted searches.
Synthesize a structured answer with file references and, if requested, persist a research document to docs/research/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md.

Quick Start

Describe the current codebase using provided files and references, and persist a structured research document to docs/research/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md if requested.

Frequently Asked Questions about researching-codebases

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I map codebase architecture and trace data flow with file references?▼

To map codebase architecture, the Skill analyzes source code to produce structured findings with evidence and file references. It decomposes research questions into focused areas to locate implementations and trace data flow paths.

What is the best way to gather technical context from a codebase before planning changes?▼

Gathering technical context involves analyzing the codebase to describe what exists, where it exists, and how pieces connect. The Skill synthesizes a structured answer with targeted searches to support planning changes.

Can I persist codebase research findings to a markdown document?▼

Yes, you can persist codebase research findings. The Skill supports optional persistence to docs/research/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md, saving the structured architecture and data flow analysis directly as a markdown document.

How does evidence-based codebase research work for architecture mapping?▼

Evidence-based codebase research works by using search and read operations to locate implementations, extracting concrete evidence from code and docs. This ensures architecture mapping is grounded in actual file references rather than assumptions.

Do I need specific dependencies to trace call paths in my codebase?▼

No specific dependencies are required to trace call paths. The Skill operates independently using built-in file finding, reading, and searching capabilities to gather evidence and map connections across the codebase.

When should I not use automated codebase research for technical context?▼

Automated codebase research should be avoided when you need real-time runtime analysis or execution tracing, as this Skill relies on static analysis of code and documentation files rather than dynamic program monitoring.