investigate

Trace root causes in failing software through a structured four-phase investigation workflow.

2|Updated May 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xotong/claude-marketplace --skill investigate-xotong
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/xotong/claude-marketplace/tree/main/plugins/gstack/skills/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xotong/claude-marketplace --skill investigate-xotong

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Systematic debugging with a structured root-cause investigation workflow that prevents guessing and accelerates fixes by following a disciplined, phased approach.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Four-phase workflow: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, implement to ensure thorough root-cause analysis.
  • Guardrails and hooks: integrated checks and prompts to keep debugging disciplined and auditable.
  • Real-world scenarios: effective for errors, 500s, stack traces, and elusive bugs where the root cause is unclear.

Quick Start

Run the investigate skill on a failing workflow to begin root-cause analysis.

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 500 error or stack trace?▼

To find the root cause of a 500 error or stack trace, you can use a structured investigation workflow that applies a four-phase process to trace origins in failing software. This prevents guessing by applying disciplined, phased analysis.

What is the best way to debug elusive bugs across a codebase?▼

The best way to debug elusive bugs across a codebase is following a systematic root-cause investigation workflow. This approach replaces guessing with a disciplined, phased process to ensure thorough analysis and accelerate fixes.

How does a phased debugging workflow operate?▼

A phased debugging workflow operates through four distinct phases: investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement. It uses pre-defined hooks and tool integrations to keep troubleshooting disciplined and auditable across the codebase.

Can I use structured troubleshooting for performance anomalies?▼

Yes, you can use structured troubleshooting for performance anomalies. The systematic investigation workflow applies to errors, stack traces, and performance issues to identify and trace root causes effectively.

Do I need specific tools to start a root-cause investigation?▼

You do not need specific external dependencies to start a root-cause investigation. The workflow operates independently with integrated checks and prompts to maintain debugging discipline without requiring additional tool installations.

Why should I use a structured investigation instead of ad-hoc debugging?▼

You should use a structured investigation instead of ad-hoc debugging to prevent guessing and accelerate fixes. The phased approach provides guardrails and integrated checks that keep the debugging process disciplined and auditable.