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spectra-debug

Diagnoses software bugs through a four-phase process of reproduce, isolate, root cause, and fix.

1|Updated Mar 29, 2026
Search Tags:#debugging#test-driven#root-cause#software#four-phase#spectra
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/howie/MiniShell --skill spectra-debug-howie
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spectra-debug
Source: https://github.com/howie/MiniShell/tree/main/.claude/skills/spectra-debug
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/howie/MiniShell --skill spectra-debug-howie

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Unstructured debugging leads to guesswork, wasted time, and fragile fixes. This skill enforces a disciplined four‑phase workflow that ensures bugs are reproducible, isolated, and rooted before any code changes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Four‑phase workflow: Reproduce, Isolate, Root Cause, Fix.
  • Three‑attempt limit: Caps fix attempts to prevent endless trial‑and‑error.
  • Evidence‑based decisions: Requires logging, tests, and validation at each step.
  • Applicable scenarios: Debugging regressions, crashes, or unexpected behavior in any software project using the Spectra CLI.

Quick Start

Invoke the skill with /spectra-debug followed by a brief description of the bug you want to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions about spectra-debug

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

FAQPage Schema
What is the four-phase debugging workflow for reliable software fixes?▼

Four-phase debugging is a systematic workflow that resolves software bugs through four stages: Reproduce, Isolate, Root Cause, and Fix. It requires evidence-based decisions using logging and tests before applying fixes.

How do I debug a reproducible bug in my codebase using a structured approach?▼

To debug a reproducible bug, follow a disciplined workflow that reproduces the issue, isolates the failing component, identifies the root cause, and attempts a fix. Evidence like logs and tests must validate each phase before proceeding.

Does this debugging method work without the Spectra CLI?▼

No, this four-phase debugging workflow explicitly requires the Spectra CLI to enforce its structured investigation process. It applies to reproducible bugs in codebases where systematic investigation is needed.

What is the three-attempt rule for fixing software hypotheses?▼

The three-attempt rule limits fix attempts to three per hypothesis during debugging. This prevents endless trial-and-error and forces a return to root cause investigation if the fix fails.

When should I use a test-driven debugging approach for regressions?▼

Use test-driven debugging when resolving regressions or unexpected behavior where unstructured guesswork fails. It enforces evidence collection and validation before committing code changes.

Why does structured debugging prevent fragile fixes in software engineering?▼

Structured debugging prevents fragile fixes by enforcing a four-phase workflow that isolates and roots bugs before code changes. This eliminates guesswork and ensures fixes are validated by evidence.

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