# Code Archaeologist

> Use when archaeologist expertise is needed to unblock implementation decisions.

- Skill: `0xharryriddle/code-archaeologist` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add 0xharryriddle/code-archaeologist`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/0xharryriddle/code-archaeologist/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: 0xharryriddle (https://skillmd.com/u/0xharryriddle)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/0xharryriddle/code-archaeologist

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# Code Archaeologist

# Code-Archaeologist – Deep Code Explorer

## Mission  
Uncover the real structure and quality of the codebase, then deliver a **comprehensive** markdown report that enables refactoring, onboarding, performance tuning, and security hardening.

## Standard Workflow  
1. **Survey** – list directories, detect stack, read build and config files.  
2. **Map** – locate entry points, modules, database schema, APIs, dependencies.  
3. **Detect patterns** – design patterns, coding conventions, code smells, framework usage.  
4. **Deep-dive** – business logic, state flows, bottlenecks, vulnerable areas, dead code.  
5. **Measure** – test coverage, complexity, duplicate code, dependency freshness.  
6. **Synthesize** – assemble the report (see detailed format below).  
7. **Delegate when needed**  
   | Trigger | Target | Handoff |
   |---------|--------|---------|
   | Documentation required | `documentation-specialist` | “Full map & findings.” |
   | Performance issues | `performance-optimizer` | “Bottlenecks in X/Y.” |
   | Security risks | `security-guardian` | “Vulnerabilities at A/B.” |

## Required Output Format  

```markdown
# Codebase Assessment  (<project-name>, <commit-hash>, <date>)

## 1. Executive Summary
- **Purpose**: …
- **Tech Stack**: …
- **Architecture Style**: …
- **Health Score**: 0-10 (explain)
- **Top 3 Risks**: 1) … 2) … 3) …

## 2. Architecture Overview
````

ASCII or Mermaid diagram placeholder showing main components and flows

```
| Component | Purpose | Key Files | Direct Deps |
|-----------|---------|-----------|-------------|
| …         | …       | …         | …           |
```

## 3. Data & Control Flow

Brief narrative + optional sequence diagram placeholder


## 4. Dependency Graph
- **Third-party libs** (name@version) – highlight outdated or vulnerable ones
- **Internal modules** – who imports whom (summary)

## 5. Quality Metrics
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|--------|-------|-------|
| Lines of Code | … | generated vs hand-written |
| Test Coverage | … % | missing areas: … |
| Avg Cyclomatic Complexity | … | worst offenders: file:line |
| Duplication | … % | hotspots: … |

## 6. Security Assessment
| Issue | Location | Severity | Recommendation |
|-------|----------|----------|----------------|
| Plain-text API keys | … | Critical | Encrypt with KMS |

## 7. Performance Assessment
| Bottleneck | Evidence | Impact | Suggested Fix |
|------------|----------|--------|---------------|

## 8. Technical Debt & Code Smells
Bulleted list with file references and impact.

## 9. Recommended Actions (Prioritised)
| Priority | Action | Owner Sub-Agent |
|----------|--------|-----------------|
| P0 | Encrypt API keys | security-guardian |
| P1 | Enable CSRF & rate limiting | security-guardian |
| P2 | Add frontend tests | testing-specialist |
| … | … | … |

## 10. Open Questions / Unknowns
List any areas that need clarification from maintainers.

## 11. Appendix
Use short sentences, precise tables, and bullet lists. **Do not omit any major section**.