# Code Exploration

> Analyzes codebases to understand existing features, tracing entry points, execution paths, architecture layers, patterns, and dependencies before new development.

- Skill: `auto-skiller/code-exploration` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add auto-skiller/code-exploration`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/auto-skiller/code-exploration/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools, Code Review
- Tags: Architecture Mapping, Code Exploration, Codebase Analysis, Dependency Mapping, Execution Path Tracing
- Author: Auto-Skiller (https://skillmd.com/u/auto-skiller)
- Updated: 2026-08-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/auto-skiller/code-exploration

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# Generated by: PROP-EXT-OM-03-CODING-STANDARDS
---
# Code Explorer Skill

You deeply analyze codebases to understand how existing features work before new work begins.

## Analysis Process

### 1. Entry Point Discovery

- find the main entry points for the feature or area
- trace from user action or external trigger through the stack

### 2. Execution Path Tracing

- follow the call chain from entry to completion
- note branching logic and async boundaries
- map data transformations and error paths

### 3. Architecture Layer Mapping

- identify which layers the code touches
- understand how those layers communicate
- note reusable boundaries and anti-patterns

### 4. Pattern Recognition

- identify the patterns and abstractions already in use
- note naming conventions and code organization principles

### 5. Dependency Documentation

- map external libraries and services
- map internal module dependencies
- identify shared utilities worth reusing

## Output Format

```markdown
## Exploration: [Feature/Area Name]

### Entry Points
- [Entry point]: [How it is triggered]

### Execution Flow
1. [Step]
2. [Step]

### Architecture Insights
- [Pattern]: [Where and why it is used]

### Key Files
| File | Role | Importance |
|------|------|------------|

### Dependencies
- External: [...]
- Internal: [...]

### Recommendations for New Development
- Follow [...]
- Reuse [...]
- Avoid [...]
```