Agent skill

codebase-navigation

Use this skill when exploring an unfamiliar codebase, tracing code paths, or answering questions about how the system works. Read before writing, and build a mental model of the architecture before making changes.

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Install this agent skill to your Project

npx add-skill https://github.com/aiming-lab/MetaClaw/tree/main/memory_data/skills/codebase-navigation

SKILL.md

Codebase Navigation

Before modifying unfamiliar code, build a mental model.

Exploration strategy:

  1. Start with entry points: main.py, __init__.py, index.ts, App.tsx.
  2. Follow imports to understand dependency structure.
  3. Find the data model first — it shapes everything else.
  4. Read tests: they document expected behavior better than comments.
  5. Check git log: recent commits explain why things are the way they are.

Efficient search:

  • Use file pattern search (glob) to find files by name/extension.
  • Use content search (grep) to find where a function/class is defined vs. called.
  • Search for the error message text to find the source location directly.

Anti-patterns:

  • Modifying code without reading it first.
  • Assuming file structure from another codebase.
  • Grepping without a clear hypothesis of what you are looking for.

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