Agent skill

file-first

File-first architecture principle for understanding codebases. Agents should read source files directly instead of relying on summaries, RAG, or pre-loaded context. Use Glob/Grep/Read tools.

View SKILL.md on GitHub Repository
Stars 1
Forks 2

Install this agent skill to your Project

npx add-skill https://github.com/resolve-io/.prism/tree/main/plugins/prism-devtools/skills/file-first

SKILL.md

File-First Architecture

Core Principle: Read source files directly. No RAG, no vector databases, no pre-loaded summaries.

When Agents Should Apply This

  • Entering an unfamiliar codebase
  • Need to understand project structure before implementation
  • Looking for specific code patterns or implementations
  • User asks "analyze this codebase" or "what files should I read"

The Pattern (For Agents)

1. DETECT  → Run analyzer to identify project type
2. LOCATE  → Use Glob/Grep to find relevant files
3. READ    → Read actual source files (not summaries)
4. CITE    → Always reference file:line when quoting
5. ITERATE → Search again if needed

Quick Project Detection

bash
python "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/file-first/scripts/analyze_codebase.py" "$(pwd)"

Returns: project type, key files, suggested read order.

Reference Documentation

Load these only when needed (progressive disclosure):

  • Philosophy - Why file-first > RAG
  • Target Repo Patterns - Project type detection
  • Context Loading Strategy - Efficient loading
  • Troubleshooting - Common issues

Scripts

Script Purpose
scripts/analyze_codebase.py Detect project type, suggest key files
scripts/validate_file_first.py Check if agents follow principles

Integration

This principle is referenced by:

  • Agent personas (dev, qa, architect) when entering new codebases
  • shared/reference/file-first.md for quick lookup
  • Context loader hook for "analyze codebase" triggers

Recommended Agent Skills

Expand your agent's capabilities with these related and highly-rated skills.

resolve-io/.prism

review-story

Use to perform comprehensive test architecture review with quality gate decision. Creates both story updates and detailed gate files.

1 2
Explore
resolve-io/.prism

create-dev-task

Use to generate development task documents for the Dev agent. Creates specifications describing WHAT needs fixing based on validated issues and investigations.

1 2
Explore
resolve-io/.prism

test-design

Use to design test strategies and create test specifications. Documents testing approaches for stories.

1 2
Explore
resolve-io/.prism

sdlc-handoff

Use for SDLC phase transitions. Ensures proper handoff between development phases with documentation.

1 2
Explore
resolve-io/.prism

qa-gate

Use to create or update quality gate decision files for stories. Provides clear pass/fail decisions with actionable feedback.

1 2
Explore
resolve-io/.prism

document-project

Use to analyze and document any project codebase. Creates comprehensive reference documentation for AI-assisted development including architecture and patterns.

1 2
Explore

Didn't find tool you were looking for?

Be as detailed as possible for better results