# Codebase Mapping

> Systematically explore and understand an unfamiliar codebase to build a mental model. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/codebase-mapping` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/codebase-mapping`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/codebase-mapping/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/codebase-mapping

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# Codebase Mapping Skill

## Purpose
Systematically explore and understand an unfamiliar codebase to build a mental model.

## Exploration Strategy

### Phase 1: High-Level Overview
1. Read README and documentation
2. Examine directory structure
3. Identify main entry points
4. Review package.json/requirements.txt for dependencies

### Phase 2: Architecture Discovery
1. Find the main application entry point
2. Trace the request/response flow
3. Identify core abstractions and patterns
4. Map module dependencies

### Phase 3: Deep Dive
1. Read key modules in detail
2. Understand data models
3. Map API endpoints to handlers
4. Identify testing patterns

## Key Questions

- What framework/runtime is used?
- How is the code organized (layers, features, hybrid)?
- Where is configuration managed?
- How is state managed?
- What are the main data flows?
- How are errors handled?
- What testing approach is used?

## Output Artifacts

- Directory structure summary
- Architecture diagram (text or visual)
- Key file inventory
- Pattern documentation
- Convention notes for AI agents

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