reversa-archaeologist

Extract module-level intent from legacy code into code-analysis.md and modules.json.

Updated May 13, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cliffthelin/AXiomEngine --skill reversa-archaeologist-cliffthelin
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: reversa-archaeologist
Source: https://github.com/cliffthelin/AXiomEngine/tree/main/skills/reversa/reversa-archaeologist
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cliffthelin/AXiomEngine --skill reversa-archaeologist-cliffthelin

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

It resolves legacy software into clear, audit-defensible technical documentation by analyzing each module to uncover its algorithms, control flow, data structures, and configuration intent.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Module-by-module reverse analysis: Extracts main functions/methods, parameters, return values, conditionals, loops, and error/exception handling.
  • Data dictionary generation: Produces field-level documentation for entities/DTOs/models, including types, required/optional status, and defaults (when enabled by doc_level).
  • Artifact-driven outputs for downstream skills: Writes consolidated code-analysis.md plus structured .reversa/context/modules.json, with optional flowcharts and per-function diagrams depending on doc_level.

Quick Start

Use the reversa-archaeologist skill to analyze the modules listed in .reversa/plan.md and generate artifacts into the output folder defined by .reversa/state.json (defaulting to _reversa_sdd).

Frequently Asked Questions about reversa-archaeologist

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I extract module-level intent from legacy code for reverse engineering?

To extract module-level intent from legacy code, analyze control flow, algorithms, data structures, and metadata configurations. This process resolves modules into clear, audit-defensible technical documentation by uncovering configuration intent and main functions.

What is the best way to generate audit-ready documentation for legacy modules?

The best way to generate audit-ready documentation is performing module-by-module reverse analysis to extract parameters, return values, conditionals, loops, and error handling, producing field-level data dictionaries for audit defense.

Can I generate Mermaid flowcharts and data dictionaries from existing source code?

Yes, you can generate Mermaid flowcharts and data dictionaries from source code by setting the doc_level parameter. This enables field-level documentation for entities and DTOs, including types, required or optional status, and defaults.

How do I document control flow and algorithms for undocumented software modules?

Document control flow and algorithms by analyzing each module to extract main functions, methods, and exception handling. This creates consolidated code-analysis markdown files and structured module JSON artifacts for downstream use.

Do I need a specific plan file to start reverse engineering a codebase?

Yes, you need a plan file enumerating target modules and a surface JSON file providing scout context. The analysis reads these configurations to ensure consistent excavations and deterministic artifact generation.

What limitations exist when generating data dictionaries for legacy code?

A key limitation is that data dictionary generation and per-function Mermaid flowcharts are optional outputs controlled by the doc_level state configuration, meaning detailed field-level documentation requires explicitly enabling higher documentation levels.