explain-code

name	explain-code
description	Explains code in plain language. Breaks down complex logic, traces execution flow, and creates documentation.
triggers	["explain this code","what does this do","how does this work","walk me through","explain the architecture"]

Explain Code Skill

Objective

Provide clear, layered explanations of code from high-level architecture down to implementation details.

Steps

1. Read the code using file_read and identify the scope (function, module, system)
2. Map the structure using code_symbols to understand the hierarchy
3. Trace the flow: Follow the execution path from entry point through dependencies
4. Explain in layers:
   • What: One-sentence purpose
   • How: High-level algorithm/approach
   • Why: Design decisions and tradeoffs
   • Details: Key implementation specifics

Output Format

## Explanation: {scope}

### Purpose
{one-sentence description of what this code does}

### How It Works
{step-by-step explanation of the algorithm/flow}

### Key Design Decisions
- {decision}: {why it was made}

### Important Details
- {notable implementation detail}

### Dependencies
- {what this code depends on and why}

Tools Used

• file_read — read the source code
• code_symbols — map structure
• code_search — find usages and dependencies
• git with log — understand history and evolution