explain-config

name	explain-config
description	Explain what a configuration file does in plain language and flag what is safe to remove. Use when the user asks "what does this config do?", "explain my tmux config", or "what can I remove from .zshrc".

explain-config

Explain what a configuration file does in plain language.

When to use

Use when the user asks "what does this config do?", "explain my tmux config", "what can I remove from .zshrc?", or any request to understand or audit a config file.

Steps

1. Read the target config file completely.

2. Break it into logical sections and for each section explain:

   • What it does in plain language (one sentence)
   • Whether it's a default or custom setting — flag anything that overrides tool defaults
   • Dependencies — other tools, plugins, or configs it relies on
   • Platform notes — if it only applies to Linux or macOS

3. Flag potential issues:

   • Redundant settings (set twice, or overridden later)
   • Dead config (references tools/plugins that aren't installed or are commented out elsewhere)
   • Conflicting settings within the file or with other config files in the repo
   • Performance concerns (heavy operations in shell startup, synchronous evals)

4. Identify safe removals if the user asks about cleanup:

   • Settings that match the tool's defaults (no-ops)
   • Sections for tools no longer in mise.toml or the install scripts
   • Commented-out blocks that have been inactive for a long time
   • Mark each candidate as "safe to remove", "check first", or "keep"

5. Format the output as:

   • Section-by-section walkthrough with line number references
   • A summary table at the end if the file is large (20+ logical sections)
   • Highlight the most impactful/important settings

Important rules

• Always read the file fresh — don't explain from memory.
• Cross-reference with other configs when relevant (e.g., .zshenv sets vars that .zshrc uses).
• Don't suggest changes unless the user asks for cleanup — this skill is primarily informational.
• Use the file:line_number format when referencing specific lines.