paw-code-research

name	paw-code-research
description	Code research activity skill for PAW workflow. Documents implementation details with file:line references, discovers documentation infrastructure, and creates CodeResearch.md artifact.

Code Research

Execution Context: This skill runs in a subagent session, delegated by the PAW orchestrator. Return structured results to the orchestrator upon completion.

Document where and how code works with precise file:line references. Creates a technical map of the existing system for implementation planning.

Reference: Follow Core Implementation Principles from paw-workflow skill.

Capabilities

• Document implementation details with file:line references
• Discover documentation infrastructure (framework, config, conventions)
• Trace data flows and component interactions
• Find code patterns and integration points
• Generate GitHub permalinks when on pushed commits
• Conduct additional research on demand

Scope: Implementation Documentation

Document:

• Exact file paths and line numbers for components
• Implementation details and technical architecture
• Code patterns and design decisions
• Integration points with specific references
• Test file locations and testing patterns
• Documentation system configuration

Critical Mindset: Documentarian, Not Critic

Your sole purpose is to document what exists. You are a technical cartographer mapping existing terrain, not a consultant evaluating it.

NEVER:

• Suggest improvements or changes
• Perform root cause analysis
• Propose enhancements
• Critique implementation or identify "problems"
• Comment on code quality, performance, or security
• Suggest refactoring or optimization

ONLY describe what exists, where it exists, and how components interact.

May document neutrally (with file:line evidence): observed constraints, limitations, or risks that inform planning decisions—but without proposing solutions.

Relationship to SpecResearch.md: If SpecResearch.md exists, build on that behavioral understanding. If not, focus on implementation details relevant to Spec.md requirements.

Research Goals

• Map locations: Full paths from repo root for all relevant files (implementation, tests, config, docs, types)
• Trace code paths: Entry points, data flow, transformations—documented with file:line evidence
• Identify patterns: Conventions, similar implementations, reusable structures

Guidelines: Include file:line references for all claims. Read thoroughly before stating. Trace actual paths—don't assume.

Documentation System Discovery

Research documentation infrastructure as a standard component. Capture in CodeResearch.md:

Aspect	What to Find
Framework	mkdocs, docusaurus, sphinx, plain markdown, none
Docs Directory	Path to docs folder (e.g., docs/, documentation/)
Navigation Config	mkdocs.yml, sidebar.js, conf.py, etc.
Style Conventions	Verbosity level, heading patterns, code block usage
Build Command	Command to build/serve docs locally
Standard Files	README.md, CHANGELOG.md, CONTRIBUTING.md locations

Why: Planning skill uses this to determine if documentation phases are warranted and how to structure them.

Verification Commands Discovery

Research project verification commands. Capture in CodeResearch.md:

Aspect	What to Find
Test Command	npm test, make test, pytest, etc.
Lint Command	npm run lint, make lint, eslint, etc.
Build Command	npm run build, make build, tsc, etc.
Type Check	npm run typecheck, tsc --noEmit, mypy, etc.

Why: Implementation skill uses these to verify changes before committing.

CodeResearch.md Artifact

Save to: .paw/work/<work-id>/CodeResearch.md

Template

---
date: [ISO timestamp with timezone]
git_commit: [commit hash]
branch: [branch name]
repository: [repo name]
topic: "[Research topic]"
tags: [research, codebase, component-names]
status: complete
last_updated: [YYYY-MM-DD]
---

# Research: [Topic]

## Research Question

[Original query or derived from Spec.md]

## Summary

[High-level findings answering the research question]

## Documentation System

- **Framework**: [mkdocs/docusaurus/sphinx/markdown/none]
- **Docs Directory**: [path or N/A]
- **Navigation Config**: [path or N/A]
- **Style Conventions**: [key observations]
- **Build Command**: [command or N/A]
- **Standard Files**: [README, CHANGELOG locations]

## Verification Commands

- **Test Command**: [e.g., `npm test`, `make test`, `pytest`]
- **Lint Command**: [e.g., `npm run lint`, `make lint`]
- **Build Command**: [e.g., `npm run build`, `make build`]
- **Type Check**: [e.g., `npm run typecheck`, `tsc --noEmit`]

## Detailed Findings

### [Component/Area 1]

- Description (`file.ext:line`, include permalink if available)
- How it connects to other components
- Current implementation details

### [Component/Area 2]

...

## Code References

  - Description
  - Description



[Patterns, conventions, and design implementations found]



[Areas needing further investigation, if any]

GitHub Permalinks

When on main branch or pushed commit, permalinks enhance traceability:

https://github.com/{owner}/{repo}/blob/{commit}/{file}#L{line}

Permalinks are optional—file:line references are the primary evidence requirement. If remote URL and commit SHA are readily available, include permalinks; otherwise proceed without them.

Execution

Desired End States

• All relevant components documented with file:line references
• Documentation infrastructure captured
• Findings organized logically by component or concern
• CodeResearch.md saved with valid YAML frontmatter

Workflow Mode Adaptation

Mode	Spec Artifact	Approach
full	Spec.md exists	Read Spec.md for context, comprehensive research
minimal	Spec.md may not exist	Use Issue URL as requirements source
custom	Check Custom Workflow Instructions	Adapt based on instructions

If Spec.md expected but missing, note it and use Issue URL as fallback.

Follow-up Research

For additional questions after initial research:

• Append to existing CodeResearch.md
• Add ## Follow-up Research [timestamp] section
• Update frontmatter: last_updated, add last_updated_note

Quality Checklist

• All research objectives addressed with supporting evidence
• Every claim includes file:line references (or permalinks when available)
• Findings organized logically by component or concern
• Documentation System section completed
• GitHub permalinks added when on pushed commit
• Tone remains descriptive and neutral (no critiques or recommendations)
• CodeResearch.md saved with valid YAML frontmatter

Completion Response

Report to PAW agent:

• Artifact path: .paw/work/<work-id>/CodeResearch.md
• Summary of key findings
• Any open questions requiring user input