How does it analyze code without documentation?

It uses a combination of entry-point mapping, data-flow tracing (forward and backward), git history research, and pattern recognition to reconstruct the missing context.

What is Code Archaeology?

Code Archaeology is a systematic process for reading and understanding unfamiliar or undocumented code by treating it like a detective investigation into the original developer's intent.

Does this skill help with refactoring?

Yes. By providing a deep understanding of core domain concepts and original business rules first, it ensures your refactors maintain critical functionality and avoid breaking hidden dependencies.

When should I use this Claude Code skill?

Use it when encountering a legacy codebase for the first time, investigating why certain logic exists, or before making changes to code you didn't personally write.

Can it work with any programming language?

Yes, the methodologies provided are language-agnostic and focus on universal architectural patterns, logic flow, and version control history.

Code Archaeology

Name: Code Archaeology
Author: spacholski1225

byspacholski1225

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Herramientas para Desarrolladores

Analyzes and demystifies unfamiliar legacy codebases using systematic investigative techniques to recover lost context and intent.

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The Code Archaeology skill equips Claude with specialized frameworks for reading and understanding complex, undocumented legacy code. By treating code as a series of clues rather than just instructions, it helps developers map entry points, trace data flows forward and backward, and excavate original architectural intent from git history and patterns. This skill is indispensable when onboarding to a new project, investigating inherited technical debt, or preparing for significant refactoring where documentation is missing or obsolete.

Características Principales

Multi-phase investigation process covering landscape surveys and data flow mapping
Pattern recognition for common legacy architectures and technical debt red flags
Git history excavation to uncover the 'why' behind specific implementation changes
Automated discovery of system entry points, core abstractions, and domain entities
Strategic reading modes including Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Breadth-First analysis
2 GitHub stars

Casos de Uso

Onboarding to a massive, undocumented codebase without a mentor
Tracing complex data paths through multiple layers of an inherited system
Identifying business-critical logic before performing a major architectural refactor

Acerca de

Características Principales

Multi-phase investigation process covering landscape surveys and data flow mapping
Pattern recognition for common legacy architectures and technical debt red flags
Git history excavation to uncover the 'why' behind specific implementation changes
Automated discovery of system entry points, core abstractions, and domain entities
Strategic reading modes including Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Breadth-First analysis
2 GitHub stars

Casos de Uso

Onboarding to a massive, undocumented codebase without a mentor
Tracing complex data paths through multiple layers of an inherited system
Identifying business-critical logic before performing a major architectural refactor