investigate

Trace error symptoms to underlying causes using a structured four-phase debugging workflow.

Updated Mar 31, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/amanik/sailor-score-debug --skill investigate-amanik
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/amanik/sailor-score-debug/tree/main/.claude/skills/gstack/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/amanik/sailor-score-debug --skill investigate-amanik

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with root-cause investigation to prevent fixes that only address symptoms.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phased, structured approach guiding investigators through gather-evidence, analyze, hypothesize, and implement to locate and fix the actual root cause.
  • Clear escalation and decision points to avoid unsafe patches and ensure verifiable improvements.
  • Use case: when error traces are unclear, or a regression requires understanding the underlying mechanism before changes.

Quick Start

Describe observed symptoms and reproduce steps, then proceed to Phase 1 to identify the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigate

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I find the root cause of a software bug instead of just fixing the symptom?▼

Root-cause debugging uses a structured four-phase workflow—gather evidence, analyze, hypothesize, and implement—to trace error traces and performance regressions to their underlying mechanism before applying fixes.

What is the best way to debug a performance regression when the error trace is unclear?▼

Debugging an unclear regression requires describing observed symptoms and reproduction steps, then using phase analysis to collect evidence and test hypotheses before changing code.

How do I systematically investigate a crash across my codebase?▼

Investigating a crash involves a phased workflow that collects evidence, analyzes the trace, tests hypotheses against the codebase, and escalates unsafe patches to ensure verifiable improvements.

When should I use a structured debugging workflow for an error trace?▼

A structured debugging workflow is needed when error traces are unclear, crashes require understanding the underlying mechanism, or regressions demand hypothesis testing before safe fixes.

Can I use root-cause debugging to prevent unsafe patches to my codebase?▼

Yes, root-cause debugging includes clear escalation and decision points during the hypothesis and implementation phases to avoid unsafe patches and ensure verifiable improvements.

What steps should I follow to reproduce and analyze a software bug before fixing it?▼

Start by describing observed symptoms and reproduction steps, then proceed through evidence gathering, phase analysis, and hypothesis testing to locate the actual root cause before implementing changes.