Diff Explain

diff-explain

Live context (when diffing a local branch)

• Current branch diff stat: !git diff $(git merge-base HEAD origin/main 2>/dev/null || git merge-base HEAD main 2>/dev/null || echo HEAD)...HEAD --stat 2>/dev/null || echo "no local diff vs main"

When to activate

• User pastes a diff and asks "what does this do?" / "summarize" / "explain".
• User shares a PR link or branch name and wants a quick read before reviewing.
• Reviewing unfamiliar changes before merge.

Do NOT activate when the user is asking for a detailed line-by-line review -- that's a different task.

Steps

1. Get the diff.
   • PR link: gh pr diff <url-or-number>
   • Local branch: git diff <base>...HEAD (default base: main or master)
   • Pasted: use what the user pasted.
2. Read it fully. Don't skim the first 50 lines and guess.
3. Group by concern. Even if the diff touches many files, most diffs have 1-3 concerns (a bug fix, a rename, a new feature). Name each concern in plain language.
4. Write ONE paragraph. 3-5 sentences covering:
   • What changed (the concern, not the files).
   • Why it likely changed (if the commit message / PR title / linked issue says).
   • What risk it introduces (behavior change, API change, DB migration, dependency bump).
5. Optional risk line. If one specific thing deserves attention before merge, append one line starting with Watch out for:.

Rules

• No file-by-file walk. Group by concern, not by path.
• No bullet lists. Prose only.
• If the diff is large (>500 lines), say so in the first sentence and narrow to the top 2-3 concerns instead of trying to cover everything.
• Don't speculate about business motivation beyond what commits, PR title, or linked issue state.
• Flag real problems. Suspected bugs, security issues, missing tests, or breaking API changes go in the summary or in the "Watch out for" line. Don't paper over them.

Output

One paragraph. Optional single-line Watch out for: ... trailer.

No preamble ("Here's a summary of..."). Lead with the answer.