# Read Docs First

> read-docs-first

- Skill: `claudiawong522/read-docs-first` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add claudiawong522/read-docs-first`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/claudiawong522/read-docs-first/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/read-docs-first

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# read-docs-first

Review documentation before executing commands to understand system architecture and available tools.

## Overview
When working with unfamiliar codebases or systems, reading documentation first saves time and prevents mistakes. It helps you understand the architecture, discover available tools, and use them correctly.

## Steps
1. **Locate documentation files** - Look for README.md, ARCHITECTURE.md, docs/ folders, or inline comments in entry points
2. **Read architecture overview** - Understand the system's structure, main components, and how they interact
3. **Scan for available tools** - Look for CLI commands, scripts, utility functions, or built-in helpers
4. **Review configuration** - Check for config files, environment setup, or initialization requirements
5. **Note key patterns** - Identify coding conventions, naming schemes, or standard workflows used in the project
6. **Execute with confidence** - Now run commands or write code with full context of how the system works

## Tips
- Start with the topmost README or documentation index
- Pay special attention to "Getting Started" or "Quick Start" sections
- Look for diagrams or architecture visualizations
- Check the CLI help output (`--help`, `-h`) for command descriptions
- Bookmark or reference key documentation URLs for quick access during development