diff-analysis

name	diff-analysis
description	Analyzes changesets with risk scoring, categorization by type and impact, and release note preparation. Use when extracting insights from raw change data.
alwaysApply	false
category	analysis-methods
tags	["changes","semantic-analysis","risk-assessment","categorization","summaries"]
dependencies	["imbue:proof-of-work"]
tools	[]
usage_patterns	["change-analysis","risk-assessment","release-preparation"]
complexity	intermediate
model_hint	standard
progressive_loading	true
module_strategy	workflow-based
estimated_tokens	800

Table of Contents

• Overview
• When to Use
• Activation Patterns
• 4-Step Methodology
• Exit Criteria

Diff Analysis Methodology

Overview

Structured method for analyzing changesets: categorize changes, assess risks, generate insights. Works for git diffs, configuration changes, API migrations, schema updates, or document revisions.

When To Use

• Extracting insights from raw change data
• Categorizing and prioritizing changes before code reviews
• Preparing release notes or changelogs
• Assessing migration scope and risk

When NOT To Use

• Quick context catchup - use catchup instead
• Full PR review - use review-core with pensive skills

Activation Patterns

Trigger Keywords: diff, changes, release notes, changelog, migration, impact, risk assessment

Auto-Load When: Git diffs present, change analysis requested, impact assessment needed.

Progressive Loading

Load modules based on workflow stage:

Always Load

• modules/semantic-categorization.md for change categorization workflow

Conditional Loading

• modules/risk-assessment-framework.md when risk assessment is needed
• modules/git-diff-patterns.md when working with git repositories

Integration

• Use sanctum:git-workspace-review for git data gathering
• Use imbue:proof-of-work for capturing analysis evidence
• Use imbue:structured-output for formatting final deliverables

Required TodoWrite Items

1. diff-analysis:baseline-established
2. diff-analysis:changes-categorized
3. diff-analysis:risks-assessed
4. diff-analysis:summary-prepared

Mark each item complete as you finish the corresponding step.

4-Step Methodology

Step 1: Establish Baseline (diff-analysis:baseline-established)

Define comparison scope: what states are being compared, boundary of analysis, and scale metrics.