socratic-review

Generates diagnostic questions and refactoring plans for codebases via simulated Socratic dialogue and parallel analysis.

17|1|Updated Mar 13, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/thoughtbot/rails-consultant --skill socratic-review-thoughtbot
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: socratic-review
Source: https://github.com/thoughtbot/rails-consultant/tree/main/skills/socratic-review
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/thoughtbot/rails-consultant --skill socratic-review-thoughtbot

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill addresses the common pitfall of superficial code reviews by facilitating a deep, Socratic dialogue that helps developers identify architectural smells, design flaws, and security vulnerabilities through guided questioning rather than passive reporting.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Socratic Pairing: Acts as a senior partner that leads you to discover issues in your own code, PRs, or inherited legacy systems.
  • Multi-Layered Diagnosis: Uses silent subagent analysis to map out problem spaces like responsibility, coupling, security, and performance before engaging in a line-by-line discussion.
  • Refactoring Guidance: Transitions from diagnosis to concrete, actionable refactoring plans, ensuring the user understands the "why" behind every move.

Quick Start

Invoke the socratic-review skill by providing the path to the file or diff you want to analyze and wait for the initial diagnostic questions.

Frequently Asked Questions about socratic-review

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I improve legacy code design through guided refactoring?

Socratic code review improves legacy code design by using guided questioning to help you identify architectural smells and responsibility issues. It transitions from deep diagnosis to concrete refactoring plans, ensuring you understand the reasoning behind each change.

What is the best way to identify architectural smells in a pull request?

Identifying architectural smells in a pull request requires a multi-layered diagnosis that analyzes coupling, responsibility, and performance. This approach synthesizes findings before initiating a collaborative discussion to resolve design flaws and improve maintainability.

Can I use Socratic questioning for security vulnerabilities in code review?

Yes, you can use Socratic questioning for security vulnerabilities during code review. It facilitates a deep dialogue that guides developers to discover and resolve security flaws through inquiry rather than passive reporting across self-authored or inherited codebases.

How do I start a code review session for a specific file diff?

To start a code review session, provide the path to the file or diff you want analyzed. The system will perform a silent diagnostic analysis to map problem spaces, then return initial diagnostic questions to begin the collaborative refactoring process.

Does Socratic code review work for self-authored code or only legacy systems?

Socratic code review works across diverse codebases including self-authored code, pull requests, and legacy systems. It acts as a senior partner to help you discover issues in your own work, ensuring design and maintainability improvements regardless of code origin.