Specter Review

Specter Review

Use the knowledge graph to get context for reviewing code changes.

When to Use

• Before reviewing a pull request
• Understanding the impact of changes
• Finding related code that might need checking
• Investigating why a file exists or what depends on it

How It Works

Specter Review uses the knowledge graph to answer questions like:

• What files depend on the changed code?
• What's the history of this file?
• How complex are the changed functions?
• Is there related code I should also review?

Example Workflow

1. Identify Changed Files

git diff --name-only main

2. Ask Specter About Each File

Use the specter agent or MCP tools directly:

Check dependencies: "What imports src/auth/login.ts? What would break if I change its exports?"

Check history: "Who wrote src/auth/login.ts? How often has it changed?"

Check complexity: "What's the complexity of the functions in src/auth/login.ts?"

Find related files: "How does src/auth/login.ts connect to src/api/routes.ts?"

3. Get Impact Assessment

Ask the specter agent: "I'm changing the User interface in src/types/user.ts. What files will be affected?"

Key Questions for Review

For New Code

• Does this fit the existing patterns in the codebase?
• Are the complexity levels reasonable?
• Are the dependencies appropriate?

For Modified Code

• What depends on this code?
• Has this file been problematic before (high churn)?
• Are the changes increasing complexity?

For Deleted Code

• Is this actually unused (check dead code)?
• What was importing it?

Using MCP Tools Directly

If you prefer direct tool access:

get_file_relationships: Check what imports/exports a file
get_file_history: See modification history
get_complexity_hotspots: Find complex code
get_call_chain: Trace dependencies between files
search_symbols: Find functions/classes by name

Tips

1. Start with high-level impact: "What depends on this file?"
2. Check historical context: Files with high churn deserve extra scrutiny
3. Look for complexity increases: Is the change making things harder to understand?
4. Verify dead code removal: Use get_dead_code to confirm exports are unused

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