research-framework

name	research-framework
description	Pre-edit investigation workflow for understanding code and behavior before changes.

Research Framework

Mandatory before fixes, chained review remediation, performance changes, and standalone /code research.

Steps

1. Scope affected path from request/error.
2. Read target file(s) plus at least one caller or test.
3. Trace data/control flow.
4. State current behavior in 2-3 sentences.
5. Form a file:line hypothesis.
6. Validate hypothesis before editing.

Rules

• No file edits during research.
• Say when tests are absent.
• If scope spans more than 3 files, list them before deep reading.
• Output behavior, dependencies, coverage, risks.