diagnosing-bugs

Diagnose software bugs through a six-phase feedback-loop methodology.

Updated Apr 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tonomb/personal-pnl --skill diagnosing-bugs-tonomb
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: diagnosing-bugs
Source: https://github.com/tonomb/personal-pnl/tree/main/.agents/skills/diagnosing-bugs
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tonomb/personal-pnl --skill diagnosing-bugs-tonomb

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the problem of aimless debugging by enforcing a structured, evidence-based feedback loop that prevents premature hypothesis generation and ensures bugs are reproduced and verified before a fix is applied.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Feedback Loop Construction: Provides a systematic framework to build tight, deterministic, and red-capable reproduction loops.
  • Structured Debugging: Guides the user through six distinct phases: building a loop, minimizing the repro, hypothesis generation, instrumentation, fixing, and post-mortem.
  • Use Case: When a user reports a complex performance regression or a non-deterministic crash, this skill forces the creation of a minimal, fast, and reliable reproduction command before any code changes are attempted.

Quick Start

Invoke the diagnosing-bugs skill to begin a structured debugging session for the reported issue by following the phase-based instructions provided in the documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about diagnosing-bugs

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

FAQPage Schema
What is the best way to fix non-deterministic crashes and performance regressions?▼

Fixing non-deterministic crashes requires a structured, evidence-based feedback loop that mandates a deterministic, minimal reproduction case before attempting any code changes to prevent speculative fixes.

How do I build a deterministic reproduction loop for software debugging?▼

You can build a deterministic reproduction loop for software debugging by following a structured six-phase protocol that prioritizes evidence-based instrumentation, ensuring the reproduction command is minimal, fast, and reliably red-capable before fixing.

Why does premature hypothesis generation fail during root cause analysis?▼

Premature hypothesis generation fails during root cause analysis because it leads to aimless debugging and speculative code changes instead of relying on verified evidence gathered from a tight, deterministic reproduction loop.

What are the phases of structured troubleshooting for complex bugs?▼

Structured troubleshooting for complex bugs involves six distinct phases: building a reproduction loop, minimizing the repro, generating hypotheses, instrumenting for evidence, applying the fix, and conducting a post-mortem.

Can I use this debugging methodology for performance regressions across any platform?▼

You can use this debugging methodology for performance regressions across any platform, as it operates across the entire development lifecycle and enforces a mandatory feedback-loop-first approach independent of specific dependencies.

When should I not use speculative code changes for troubleshooting?▼

You should avoid speculative code changes for troubleshooting when dealing with complex bugs or performance regressions, as this structured approach requires verified instrumentation and a minimal reproduction case before any fix is applied.