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root-cause-tracing

Trace errors backward through the call stack to identify root causes.

Updated Jan 21, 2026
Search Tags:#testing#debugging#root cause analysis#bug fixing#call stack#tracing
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xebia/gino-gelato-webinar --skill root-cause-tracing-xebia
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: root-cause-tracing
Source: https://github.com/xebia/gino-gelato-webinar/tree/main/.github/skills/root-cause-tracing
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xebia/gino-gelato-webinar --skill root-cause-tracing-xebia

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers systematically find and fix bugs by tracing errors back to their original cause, rather than just addressing the symptom where the error appears.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Backward Call Stack Tracing: Follows the execution path in reverse to pinpoint the origin of issues.
  • Instrumentation for Debugging: Provides methods to add logging and stack traces when manual tracing is difficult.
  • Test Pollution Identification: Includes a script to find which test is causing unintended side effects or creating unwanted files.
  • Use Case: When a git init command fails deep within a complex test suite, this Skill helps trace back through the test execution to find the exact test and code that incorrectly initiated the operation, allowing for a fix at the root.

Quick Start

Use the root-cause-tracing skill to find which test is creating a '.git' directory in the 'src/' folder.

Frequently Asked Questions about root-cause-tracing

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I trace a bug back to its original cause in a complex call stack?▼

Bug tracing to the original cause involves systematically following the execution path backward through the call stack to pinpoint the origin of issues, allowing you to fix the source rather than just the symptom where the error appears.

What is the best way to find which test is causing test pollution or unintended side effects?▼

The best way to find test pollution is using a bisection script to identify the specific test causing unintended side effects, such as creating unwanted files like a '.git' directory in the 'src/' folder.

How do I add instrumentation for debugging when manual call stack tracing is difficult?▼

To add instrumentation for debugging when manual tracing is difficult, apply methods to insert stack traces and context logging into your code to capture the execution state and aid in systematic backward tracing.

Why does a command fail deep within a complex test suite, and how do I fix it?▼

A command failing deep within a complex test suite often stems from an earlier test causing unintended side effects; trace backward through the test execution to find the exact test and code that incorrectly triggered the operation.

When should I use backward call stack tracing instead of fixing the error at the symptom?▼

Use backward call stack tracing when issues manifest deep in execution and addressing the symptom is insufficient, as it enables systematic reverse tracing to identify the original trigger and fix the bug at its source.

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