codebase-onboarding

Analyze unfamiliar codebases to generate onboarding guides and CLAUDE.md files.

4|Updated Mar 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Yog-Sotho/claude-skills --skill codebase-onboarding-yog-sotho
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: codebase-onboarding
Source: https://github.com/Yog-Sotho/claude-skills/tree/main/codebase-onboarding
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Yog-Sotho/claude-skills --skill codebase-onboarding-yog-sotho

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Analyze unfamiliar codebases and generate a structured onboarding guide with architecture map, key entry points, conventions, and a starter CLAUDE.md. Always activate when the user says "onboard me", "help me understand this codebase", "walk me through this repo", "generate a CLAUDE.md", "update the CLAUDE.md", "I just joined this project", or when opening a repo with Claude Code for the first time. Also activate when the user seems lost in an unfamiliar codebase — even without an explicit request.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Reconnaissance to identify project layout and tech hints without full file reads
  • Architecture mapping to outline components, entry points, and data flow
  • Convention detection to surface naming patterns, git practices, and workflows
  • CLAUDE.md generation or update to capture decisions and guidelines
  • Onboarding guide generation to help new contributors ramp up quickly

Quick Start

Initiate full onboarding for the current repository and generate a starter CLAUDE.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about codebase-onboarding

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a CLAUDE.md file for an unfamiliar codebase?▼

To generate a CLAUDE.md, this skill performs reconnaissance on your repository to map architecture, detect conventions, and output a structured onboarding guide capturing project decisions and guidelines.

What is the best way to onboard a new developer to a monorepo?▼

Onboarding a new developer to a monorepo involves mapping project layout, identifying entry points, and surfacing naming patterns. This skill automates that reconnaissance to produce a structured ramp-up guide.

Can I automatically map the architecture of a repository I just joined?▼

Yes, you can automatically map repository architecture by triggering the skill when opening a repo for the first time. It outlines components, data flow, and key entry points without requiring full file reads.

How do I detect project conventions and workflows in an unfamiliar codebase?▼

Detecting project conventions requires analyzing naming patterns and git practices. This skill scans the codebase to surface workflows and capture them within a generated onboarding guide and CLAUDE.md.

Does codebase onboarding work without reading every file in the repository?▼

Yes, the onboarding process uses reconnaissance to identify project layout and tech hints without full file reads, ensuring rapid architecture mapping and convention detection for quick ramp-up.

When should I update an existing CLAUDE.md file?▼

You should update a CLAUDE.md when project conventions change or new components are added. This skill analyzes the current codebase state to regenerate or update the file with accurate guidelines.