# Explore Codebase

> explore-codebase

- Skill: `claudiawong522/explore-codebase` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add claudiawong522/explore-codebase`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/claudiawong522/explore-codebase/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: claudiawong522 (https://skillmd.com/u/claudiawong522)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/claudiawong522/explore-codebase

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# explore-codebase

Quickly explore and understand a codebase by reading multiple key files in sequence.

# Explore Codebase

This skill helps you rapidly understand a project structure by reading multiple important files in succession.

## What it does
Reads three key files from your codebase sequentially to give you a comprehensive overview of the project. This is useful when:
- Onboarding to a new project
- Understanding project architecture
- Getting context before making changes
- Reviewing code organization

## Steps
1. **Identify key files** - Determine which three files would provide the most useful overview:
   - Configuration files (package.json, README.md, etc.)
   - Entry points or main files
   - Critical module files
   - Architecture documentation

2. **Read files in order** - Read each file path sequentially, starting with high-level docs and moving to specific modules

3. **Synthesize understanding** - After reading, ask Claude to summarize the project structure and relationships between components

## Tips
- Start with `README.md` or similar documentation as your first file
- Follow with configuration files to understand dependencies and setup
- End with a main entry point or core module
- Ask Claude to explain connections between the files after reading
- Adjust the file selection based on your specific questions about the codebase