systematic-debugging

Debug software through a four-phase root cause investigation framework.

10|Updated Dec 15, 2014
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/baleen37/dotfiles --skill systematic-debugging-baleen37
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: systematic-debugging
Source: https://github.com/baleen37/dotfiles/tree/main/modules/shared/config/claude/skills/systematic-debugging
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/baleen37/dotfiles --skill systematic-debugging-baleen37

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Randomly applying fixes to bugs often wastes time and introduces new issues, masking the true root cause. This skill provides a four-phase systematic framework for debugging, ensuring you understand the problem deeply before attempting any solution, leading to more effective and lasting fixes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Four-Phase Framework: Guides you through Root Cause Investigation, Pattern Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, and Implementation.
  • Root Cause Mandate: Enforces finding the underlying problem, not just patching symptoms, even under pressure.
  • Evidence-Based Debugging: Requires gathering evidence and tracing data flow, especially in multi-component systems.
  • Use Case: When a production API is timing out, instead of immediately adding a retry, this skill guides you to investigate error messages, reproduce the issue, and trace the connection flow to identify the exact failing component.

Quick Start

1. Phase 1: Root Cause Investigation

- Read error messages carefully

- Reproduce consistently

- Check recent changes

- Gather evidence in multi-component systems

- Trace data flow

2. Phase 2: Pattern Analysis

- Find working examples, compare against references

- Identify differences, understand dependencies

3. Phase 3: Hypothesis and Testing

- Form single hypothesis, test minimally

4. Phase 4: Implementation

- Create failing test, implement single fix, verify