codebase-navigation

name	codebase-navigation
description	Use this skill when exploring an unfamiliar codebase, tracing code paths, or answering questions about how the system works. Read before writing, and build a mental model of the architecture before making changes.
category	coding

Codebase Navigation

Before modifying unfamiliar code, build a mental model.

Exploration strategy:

1. Start with entry points: main.py, __init__.py, index.ts, App.tsx.
2. Follow imports to understand dependency structure.
3. Find the data model first — it shapes everything else.
4. Read tests: they document expected behavior better than comments.
5. Check git log: recent commits explain why things are the way they are.

Efficient search:

• Use file pattern search (glob) to find files by name/extension.
• Use content search (grep) to find where a function/class is defined vs. called.
• Search for the error message text to find the source location directly.

Anti-patterns:

• Modifying code without reading it first.
• Assuming file structure from another codebase.
• Grepping without a clear hypothesis of what you are looking for.