trace-debug

Guide developers through hypothesis formation, evidence collection, and root cause verification.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/thisguymartin/ai-native-dev --skill trace-debug
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: trace-debug
Source: https://github.com/thisguymartin/ai-native-dev/tree/main/.gemini/skills/trace-debug
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/thisguymartin/ai-native-dev --skill trace-debug

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill teaches developers a systematic debugging process so they can diagnose and understand bugs themselves instead of receiving direct fixes, improving troubleshooting skills and long-term code quality.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Socratic Debugging Tutor: Guides developers through evidence-first observation, hypothesis generation, targeted isolation, verification, and reflection.
  • Structured Multi-Phase Workflow: Enforces clarification, stack-trace reading, boundary identification, strategic logging/breakpoints, and proof-based root cause confirmation.
  • Use Case: Pair-program with a developer investigating a reproducible 500 error, guiding them to form multiple hypotheses, run isolation tests, and confirm the true cause before proposing prevention steps.

Quick Start

Help me debug a failing API endpoint by guiding me through hypothesis formation, targeted tests, and root cause verification.

Frequently Asked Questions about trace-debug

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I systematically debug a software bug instead of just guessing the fix?

Systematic debugging involves structuring hypothesis formation, evidence collection, targeted investigation, and root cause verification. You start with initial clarification, observe the evidence, form multiple hypotheses, run isolation tests, and verify the true cause before applying fixes.

What is the best way to read a stack trace to find the root cause of an error?

Reading a stack trace requires identifying the exact failure point and boundary conditions. You analyze the stack trace to understand the call sequence, then form multiple hypotheses about what triggered the error, and run targeted isolation tests to verify the root cause.

Can I use a guided debugging process for a reproducible 500 API error?

Yes, guided debugging applies to reproducible 500 API errors by directing stepwise experiments. You pair-program through evidence-first observation, strategic logging, and breakpoint isolation to confirm the true cause before proposing reflective prevention steps.

How do I form multiple hypotheses during root-cause analysis?

Forming multiple hypotheses during root-cause analysis requires gathering evidence from source code, logs, and reproducible test cases first. You then generate several distinct explanations for the bug and design targeted isolation tests to disprove or confirm each one.

Why should I use a Socratic debugging tutor instead of directly applying code fixes?

A Socratic debugging tutor teaches you to diagnose and understand bugs yourself through structured questioning and stepwise experiments, rather than providing direct fixes. This improves your troubleshooting skills and long-term code quality by enforcing proof-based root cause confirmation.

What are the limitations of a guided debugging workflow?

A guided debugging workflow focuses on interactive troubleshooting and does not directly apply code fixes. It requires you to manually run isolation tests, read stack traces, and verify hypotheses, meaning it relies on your active participation throughout the observation and verification phases.