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Use when debugging any bug. Enforces a 5-phase protocol where code edits are blocked until root cause is confirmed. Prevents premature fix attempts.
| name | phase-gated-debugging |
| description | Use when debugging any bug. Enforces a 5-phase protocol where code edits are blocked until root cause is confirmed. Prevents premature fix attempts. |
| risk | safe |
| source | community |
| date_added | 2026-03-28 |
AI coding agents see an error and immediately edit code. They guess at fixes, get it wrong, and spiral. This skill enforces a strict 5-phase protocol where you CANNOT edit source code until the root cause is identified and confirmed.
Based on claude-debug (full plugin with PreToolUse hook enforcement).
Use this skill when:
Run the failing command/test. Capture the exact error. Run 2-3 times for consistency.
Read code. Add diagnostic logging marked // DEBUG. Re-run with diagnostics. Binary search to narrow down.
// DEBUG marked logging is allowedAnalyze WHY at the isolated location. Use "5 Whys" technique. Remove debug logging.
State: "This is my root cause analysis: [explanation]. Do you agree, or should I investigate further?"
WAIT for user confirmation. Do NOT proceed without it.
Remove all // DEBUG lines. Apply minimal change addressing confirmed root cause.
Run original failing test — must pass. Run related tests. For intermittent bugs, run 5+ times. If verification fails: root cause was wrong, go back to Phase 2.
| Type | Technique |
|---|---|
| Crash/Panic | Stack trace backward — trace the bad value to its source |
| Wrong Output | Binary search — log midpoint, halve search space each iteration |
| Intermittent | Compare passing vs failing run logs — find ordering divergence |
| Regression | git bisect — find the offending commit |
| Performance | Timing at stage boundaries — find the bottleneck |
// DEBUG in phase 2)Use when CrossFrame Suite routes explicit Chinese casebook work: turning materials into reusable cases, anonymized entries, mechanisms, and retrieval indexes.
Use only when the user explicitly names crossframe-critical for a Chinese structural critique dossier, article plan, or long-form critical essay.
Use when CrossFrame Suite routes explicit Chinese proposition testing, debate analysis, hidden-premise review, rebuttal design, or withdrawal condition checks.
Use when CrossFrame Suite routes explicit Chinese reader replies, editor responses, consultation-style short answers, or boundary-aware structural advice.
Use when explicit CrossFrame work needs a Chinese critical insight essay, commentary, concept essay, public piece, or structure-to-article draft after diagnosis.
Use when CrossFrame Suite routes explicit Chinese notes for books, theories, articles, excerpts, bidirectional reading, absorption, or conflict mapping.