# Explore

> Use this skill when the user asks you something that requires searching a code base

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

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# Explore

Use the codebase_search tool to explore a codebase, this saves time and tokens.

## When To Use

- The user asks "how does this work?" or "where is X implemented?", anything that involves reading/tracing code
- You need entry points, data flow, or ownership of a behavior.
- Keyword grep is likely to miss the relevant files.

## Steps

1. Translate the user question into a tight natural language question, or description of the functionality you're looking for.
2. Run 2-3 instances of the `codebase_search` tool against the repo root, for each use a different search_string so you can explore the codebase from multiple angles
3. Read the returned files/sections.
4. Summarize the flow with concrete file paths.

## Query Template

"Find the entry points and data flow for <X>. Include router/handlers, config, and tests."