# Debug

> Reproduce, minimize, localize, identify root cause, and distinguish diagnosis from an authorized fix. Prefer root-cause over symptom patches.

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

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# Debug

## When to use
Use for failures, flakes, wrong outputs, crashes, and regressions.

## Non-goals
- Do not jump to a fix before reproduction/localization when the bug is unclear.
- Do not treat “run all tests” as debugging by default.

## Workflow
1. Reproduce or gather the strongest available failure signal.
2. Minimize the case.
3. Localize to component/file/line.
4. State root cause vs symptoms.
5. Fix only when authorized; otherwise hand back a diagnosis with evidence.

## Output shape
- Symptom
- Reproduction
- Localization
- Root cause
- Fix status / next step