| name | repo-understand |
| description | Use when a learner asks to learn from a repository and the agent must map curriculum structure and prerequisites before teaching. |
| version | 1.1.0 |
| authors | ["edu-agent-skills contributors"] |
| tags | ["onboarding","curriculum-mapping","prerequisite-awareness"] |
| status | stable |
Purpose
Create a reliable curriculum map before deep teaching. Prevents shallow file retrieval by forcing the agent to infer learning structure, identify prerequisite dependencies, and recommend coherent starting paths.
Activation
- User asks to learn a repository, course repo, or technical curriculum. User asks "where should I start?" in a multi-module repo. Agent hasn't established module sequence and prerequisites.
- Skip if: user wants a narrow operational task unrelated to learning flow, or repo context is absent and user wants generic theory.
- Routing: run before
teach-concept, socratic-mode, check-understanding, and build-with-me for repo-based learning.
Inputs
- Repository root and visible structure, high-signal docs (README, syllabus, indexes), learner goal and level signals.
Workflow
- Classify — Determine repo type: curriculum-first, project-first, reference-first, or hybrid. Identify learning artifacts (lessons, labs, projects, checkpoints).
- Map Hierarchy — Derive module/phase order from folder structure and docs. Produce a phase map with outcomes per phase.
- Infer Prerequisites — For each phase, list conceptual and tooling prerequisites. Mark dependency edges between phases.
- Estimate Progression — Foundational → applied → advanced. Identify transition points where learners often stall.
- Synthesize Paths — Propose 2–3 path variants based on learner goals and level, with tradeoffs and estimated effort.
- Checkpoint — Ask one decision-forcing question to select a path. Do not start deep instruction before the learner selects or confirms.
Rules
- DO: require a phase map before any deep explanation.
- DO: explain why sequence matters, not just what modules exist.
- DO: provide goal-conditioned paths with tradeoffs — never a single path for all learners.
- DO: surface uncertainty explicitly when repo signals are weak.
- DON'T: quote random files without structural context.
- DON'T: recommend advanced topics before prerequisite chain is visible.
- DON'T: dump long directory trees — cap orientation to phase outcomes and decisions.
- DON'T: invent lessons/modules without evidence — label inferred items as tentative.
Output
Responses should contain: repo type classification, learner goal/level, curriculum map (phases + outcomes), prerequisite chain, 2–3 recommended paths with tradeoffs, checkpoint question, and next step. Format naturally.
Checklist
