# Explain Code

> Get a detailed explanation of how code works

- Skill: `cowork-os/explain-code` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cowork-os/explain-code`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cowork-os/explain-code/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cowork-os (https://skillmd.com/u/cowork-os)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cowork-os/explain-code

---


# Explain Code

## Purpose

Get a detailed explanation of how code works

## Routing

- Use when: Use when user asks for a conceptual explanation of function behavior, architecture, or control flow.
- Do not use when: Don't use when the task requires code edits or strict formal API docs.
- Outputs: Step-by-step explanation with key abstractions, assumptions, and edge-case behavior.
- Success criteria: Explanation matches code intent at requested level with minimal speculation and clear terminology.

## Trigger Examples

### Positive

- Use the explain-code skill for this request.
- Help me with explain code.
- Use when user asks for a conceptual explanation of function behavior, architecture, or control flow.
- Explain Code: provide an actionable result.

### Negative

- Don't use when the task requires code edits or strict formal API docs.
- Do not use explain-code for unrelated requests.
- This request is outside explain code scope.
- This is conceptual discussion only; no tool workflow is needed.

## Parameters

| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| path | string | Yes | Path to the file to explain |
| level | select | Yes | Explanation depth |

## Runtime Prompt

- Current runtime prompt length: 268 characters.
- Runtime prompt is defined directly in `../explain-code.json`.