GitHub Issue Reader

Instructions

When to Invoke This Skill

• User mentions a GitHub issue number (e.g., "issue #42", "#123")
• User provides a GitHub issue URL
• You need context about what needs to be implemented or fixed
• Validating whether an issue has sufficient detail
• Understanding discussion/decisions in issue comments

Standard Workflow

1. Fetch Issue Details

   bashCopy

   gh issue view <issue_number> --json title,body,state,labels,assignees,createdAt,updatedAt
   

2. Fetch All Comments

   bashCopy

   gh issue view <issue_number> --comments
   

3. Analyze Content

   • Parse issue description for requirements
   • Review comments for implementation decisions
   • Identify any existing plans or approaches
   • Note any blockers or dependencies mentioned

4. Synthesize Context

   • Summarize what needs to be done
   • Highlight key decisions from discussion
   • Flag any ambiguities or missing information
   • Note relevant links or references

Error Handling

If gh commands fail:

• Check authentication: gh auth status
• If not authenticated, guide user through: gh auth login
• Verify issue number exists in the repository

If issue is closed:

• Note the closed state
• Check if there's a linked PR that resolved it
• Determine if reopening is needed

Output Format

Provide structured summary:

Issue #<number>: <title>
Status: <open/closed>
Labels: <label list>

Summary:
<Brief description of what needs to be done>

Key Points from Discussion:
- <Important decision/context from comments>
- <Another key point>

Implementation Approach (if discussed):
<Any implementation details from comments>

Ambiguities/Questions:
- <Anything unclear that needs clarification>

Examples

Example 1: User mentions issue number

User: "Can you look at issue #42?"
Action: Run gh issue view 42 and gh issue view 42 --comments
Output: Structured summary of the issue

Example 2: Issue URL provided

User: "Check out https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/123"
Action: Extract issue number (123), fetch details
Output: Analysis of what the issue requires

Example 3: Vague reference

User: "What was that bug about the login form?"
Action: May need to search issues first (gh issue list --search "login form")
Output: Identify relevant issue(s) and provide context