# Trace

> Map the chronological evolution of an idea across vault notes. Use when /trace is invoked or when Shane asks "how has my thinking on X changed", "when did I first write about X", "trace the evolution of X". Do NOT use to find connections between two separate ideas — that's /connect.

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

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# Skill: /trace [argument]

Map the arc of how Shane's thinking on a topic evolved — not the current position, but the path that led there and the inflection points along the way.

**Don't:** use this for cross-concept bridging — that's `/connect`. Don't present a settled position without showing the inflection points that led there.

## Steps

1. Parse the argument/topic from Shane's request.
2. Follow [Qwen Protocol](../_lib/qwen-protocol.md) with:
   - `task`: "Vault access (bash only, no MCP tools): `obsidian search query='TERM' limit=10`, `obsidian read file='Note Name'` (no .md). Map the chronological evolution of Shane's thinking about '[argument]'. What was the earliest framing? What shifted, and what triggered each shift? What's the current settled position (if any), or what remains unresolved? Highlight inflection points — moments where thinking meaningfully changed direction."
   - `skill`: "trace"
3. Review Qwen's result, synthesize if needed, and present to Shane.
4. Follow [Concept Save Protocol](../_lib/concept-save.md).

## Fallback

If Qwen is unavailable:

1. Run `obsidian search query='[argument]' limit=10` via bash; read notes paying attention to dates.
2. Sort chronologically. Identify: earliest framing, inflection points, current position.
3. Present a chronological narrative with specific note references and dates.
4. Follow [Concept Save Protocol](../_lib/concept-save.md).