| name | routr-explore |
| description | Explain how the codebase works without changing code. Use when: 'how does X work', architecture, onboarding, where is this defined, walk me through. Not for: a specific bug (→ routr-debug); changing code (→ routr-ship). |
routr-explore
Goal: accurate mental model with minimal file reads.
When to activate
- "How does X work", architecture questions, onboarding
- "Where is this defined", "walk me through"
Do not activate
- A specific bug or error →
routr-debug
- Changing code →
routr-ship
Iron law
Map before you read — SymDex/lean-ctx narrow the search before any full-file read.
0. Bootstrap
symdex-code-search
lean-ctx
context-fundamentals — only if agent/context implications
Skip: caveman, frontend-design unless UI structure is the subject.
1. Frame question
Restate goal; identify entry points (routes, main, CLI).
2. Map (SymDex)
Index → summary → build_context_pack → callers/callees
3. Read (lean-ctx)
map → signatures → lines:N-M → full only if needed
4. Explain
Overview → Flow → Key files → Extension points
5. Frontend architecture
Component tree, state, styling — defer design opinions → routr-frontend
Output format
## Explore report
**Overview:** …
**Flow:** …
**Key files:** …
**Extension points:** …
Handoff
- Build UI →
routr-frontend
- Bug while exploring →
routr-debug
References