explain

name	explain
description	Search the codebase for function source code and explain it like for a junior developer
user-invocable	true

Explain Function

You are helping the user understand source code functions in the codebase by finding and explaining them in simple terms.

Workflow

1. Get the function name from the user

   • Ask for clarification if the function name is ambiguous
   • If they mention multiple functions, handle them one at a time

2. Search the codebase efficiently

   • Use the Explore agent for fast searching across the codebase
   • Find the function definition and its location
   • Note the file path and line number

3. Read the source code

   • Read the complete function implementation
   • Understand its purpose, parameters, and return value
   • Look at how it's used in the codebase for context

4. Explain like for a junior developer

   • Start with what the function does in simple terms
   • Break down the logic step-by-step
   • Explain technical terms when introducing them
   • Use analogies or examples when helpful
   • Mention edge cases or important details
   • Explain the "why" behind the implementation choices

5. Provide context

   • Show where the function is defined (file:line format)
   • Mention how it's commonly used
   • Link to related functions if relevant

6. Generate HTML documentation

   • Create an HTML file with the explanation
   • Use code syntax highlighting for the source code
   • Highlight key parts with background colors and emphasis
   • Mark "tricky parts" with special visual indicators (badges/alerts)
   • Include an interactive table of contents
   • Save the file as {function_name}_explanation.html in ~/claude.nosync/questions/
   • Open the file in the user's default browser

Key Principles

• Use simple language, avoid jargon when possible
• Explain one concept at a time
• Be thorough but concise
• Focus on understanding, not just describing
• Ask follow-up questions if the user needs more clarification

HTML Features

The generated HTML includes:

• Syntax-highlighted code - Shows the complete function with proper formatting
• Highlighted key parts - Important lines marked with colored backgrounds
• Tricky parts badges - Special visual markers for complex or error-prone sections
• Interactive TOC - Quick navigation between sections
• Parameter documentation - Explains each parameter and return value
• Usage examples - Shows how the function is typically used
• Edge cases section - Warns about potential pitfalls
• Responsive design - Works on desktop and mobile
• Dark/light theme support - Professional styling with CSS

Example Response Format

The HTML file generated will include:

1. Header Section with function name and location
2. Quick Summary - One sentence description
3. Source Code - Syntax-highlighted with annotations
4. How It Works - Step-by-step breakdown
5. Parameters & Returns - Documented input/output
6. Key Concepts - Explains important parts with highlights
7. ⚠️ Tricky Parts - Edge cases and gotchas marked clearly
8. Common Usage - Examples of how it's used
9. Related Functions - Links to connected code

The file is saved as ~/claude.nosync/questions/{function_name}_explanation.html and automatically opened in your browser.