context-hunter

name	context-hunter
description	Discover codebase patterns, conventions, and unwritten rules before making changes. Use when implementing features, fixing bugs, or refactoring code.

Context Hunter

Before writing code, investigate how similar problems are already solved in this codebase.

Before Implementation

Discover Existing Patterns

1. Find analogous features: Search for code that solves similar problems. Study it before proposing your approach.
2. Trace data flow: How does similar data move through the system? Note caching, validation, and error handling patterns.
3. Identify utilities: Search for existing helpers before creating new ones.

Detect Unwritten Conventions

Look for implicit rules encoded in the codebase:

• Schema patterns: deleted_at columns indicate soft-deletion. Audit columns indicate tracking requirements.
• Naming patterns: Note consistency in user_id vs userId vs userID.
• Test patterns: What's tested thoroughly reveals team priorities.

Verify Assumptions

• Run the test suite to understand current state
• Check linter and formatter configs
• Read recent commits in affected areas
• Examine database schemas for constraints

During Implementation

Match Existing Code

Your changes should be indistinguishable from existing code:

• Use the same patterns, abstractions, and utilities
• Follow the same error handling approach
• Respect module boundaries
• Match naming conventions exactly

Surface Concerns

When you discover conflicts between requirements and existing patterns:

• Ask clarifying questions before proceeding
• Flag risks you've identified
• Offer alternatives that align with codebase conventions

Checklist

Before proposing changes, confirm:

• Studied analogous features in the codebase
• Checked for reusable utilities
• Reviewed test patterns for similar functionality
• Noted naming and schema conventions
• Verified approach matches existing patterns