forensic-hotspot-finder

Calculate risk scores from change frequency and complexity in Git history.

3|2|Updated Oct 27, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/AlabamaMike/forensic-skills --skill forensic-hotspot-finder
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: forensic-hotspot-finder
Source: https://github.com/AlabamaMike/forensic-skills/tree/main/.claude/skills/forensic-hotspot-finder
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/AlabamaMike/forensic-skills --skill forensic-hotspot-finder

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps software teams quickly identify files that are both frequently changed and structurally complex, enabling targeted refactoring and quality improvements.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Hotspot identification: combine change frequency with code complexity to highlight high-risk files.
  • Prioritization guidance: informs sprint planning by focusing on the files most likely to harbor defects.
  • Science-backed benchmarks: basis in research showing higher defect rates in hotspots.

Quick Start

Use the forensic-hotspot-finder to scan your repository and output a ranked list of hotspot candidates, then integrate with other forensic skills for ownership, debt-quantification, and complexity-trends.

Frequently Asked Questions about forensic-hotspot-finder

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I identify code hotspots for refactoring using git history?▼

Code hotspots are identified by calculating a risk score that multiplies normalized change frequency by a complexity factor. This analysis applies to Git history across modules to surface high-risk files for targeted refactoring and quality improvements.

What is a code hotspot risk assessment and when do I need it?▼

A code hotspot risk assessment combines change frequency with code complexity to highlight high-risk files. You need it during sprint planning to focus efforts on files most likely to harbor defects based on research-backed benchmarks.

How do I prioritize files for refactoring during sprint planning?▼

Prioritize refactoring by scanning your repository to generate a ranked list of hotspot candidates. The workflow normalizes change frequency and complexity factors to a 0-1 scale, providing prioritization guidance for sprint planning.

Does forensic-hotspot-finder work with complexity trends and ownership analysis?▼

Yes, forensic-hotspot-finder supports integration with ownership, debt-quantification, and complexity-trends analyses. After outputting a ranked list of hotspot candidates, you integrate with other forensic skills for these downstream analyses.

How are change frequency and complexity factors normalized in hotspot analysis?▼

Hotspot analysis normalizes change frequency and complexity factors to a 0-1 scale. The risk score multiplies these normalized factors together, ensuring balanced weighting when surfacing high-risk files across different modules.

What are the limitations of using change frequency alone for risk assessment?▼

Change frequency alone misses structural complexity, leading to incomplete risk assessment. The hotspot approach multiplies normalized change frequency by a complexity factor, ensuring files that are both frequently changed and structurally complex surface as high-risk.