trace

Structure causal debugging with observation, hypothesis generation, and independent tests for multi-failure software issues.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Pyl-Tech/stream-coding --skill trace-pyl-tech
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: trace
Source: https://github.com/Pyl-Tech/stream-coding/tree/main/.agents/skills/trace
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Pyl-Tech/stream-coding --skill trace-pyl-tech

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Trace helps you debug failures that plausibly have multiple root causes, avoiding wasted serial guessing when several explanations could fit the symptoms.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Parallel hypothesis debugging: Generates a minimum of two plausible causes and tests them independently to distinguish competing explanations.
  • Evidence-driven convergence: Requires each hypothesis to be validated/eliminated/partially supported via targeted tests, then converges on one or more true root causes.
  • Loop prevention escalation: Uses a circuit breaker to stop after repeated zero-confirmation cycles and escalate with a trace report instead of continuing to loop.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to run /trace for your failing case and provide the full error message, timing/conditions of occurrence, and what changed since the last known working state.

Frequently Asked Questions about trace

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I debug a software failure when multiple plausible root causes fit the same symptoms?

Multi-cause debugging resolves unclear system symptoms by generating at least two competing hypotheses, testing them independently via targeted observation, and converging on the true cause using validated evidence. This avoids wasted serial guessing when several explanations fit the same error.

What is causal debugging and when should I use hypothesis testing for incident response?

Causal debugging structures root cause analysis around observation, hypothesis generation, and independent evidence tests. Use it during incident response when an error persists across attempted fixes or when multiple plausible root causes exist for an unclear system symptom.

How do I stop an agent from looping when my attempted fixes keep failing to resolve the error?

To stop looping when fixes fail, use a circuit breaker that escalates with a trace report after two consecutive zero-confirmation cycles. This prevents infinite loops by halting repeated guessing and documenting the eliminated hypotheses.

How do I conduct root cause analysis when the same error persists across multiple attempted fixes?

Root cause analysis for persistent errors requires structuring causal debugging around evidence marking. You validate, eliminate, or partially support each competing hypothesis through targeted tests, converging on the true cause using evidence-first methods rather than repeated guessing.

Can I use parallel hypothesis testing for incident response without any specific framework dependencies?

Yes, parallel hypothesis testing for incident response operates without dependencies. It requires only the full error message, timing and conditions of occurrence, and details of what changed since the last known working state to generate and test competing root cause hypotheses.

What are the limitations of evidence-driven convergence when debugging multi-cause software failures?

Evidence-driven convergence requires at least two competing hypotheses to function and will escalate with a trace report after two zero-confirmation cycles, meaning it cannot proceed if only one plausible cause is provided or if all hypotheses continuously yield zero confirmation.