phase-gated-debugging

Orchestrates a 5-phase debugging workflow that blocks edits until root cause confirmation for intermittent errors.

27|5|Updated Apr 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills --skill phase-gated-debugging
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: phase-gated-debugging
Source: https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills/tree/main/skills/phase-gated-debugging
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Fandry96/k3-agentic-skills --skill phase-gated-debugging

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

AI coding agents see an error and immediately edit code. They guess at fixes, get it wrong, and spiral. This skill enforces a strict 5-phase protocol where you CANNOT edit source code until the root cause is identified and confirmed.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phases: REPRODUCE, ISOLATE, ROOT CAUSE, FIX, VERIFY with explicit rules to avoid premature edits.
  • Guardrails: prevents code edits during diagnosis and requires user confirmation before applying fixes.
  • Use Case: when debugging intermittent or hard-to-reproduce bugs, it stabilizes the workflow and improves confidence in fixes.

Quick Start

Run the 5-phase debugging protocol on the failing issue and obtain a confirmed root cause before applying any fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions about phase-gated-debugging

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I stop an AI coding agent from making premature edits when debugging intermittent issues?▼

A phase-gated debugging workflow prevents premature edits by enforcing reproduce, isolate, and root-cause phases where code modification is blocked, ensuring the agent confirms the root cause before applying any fixes.

What is the best workflow to find the root cause of hard-to-reproduce bugs in AI-assisted coding?▼

A structured 5-phase debugging protocol is best for hard-to-reproduce bugs, guiding the agent sequentially through reproduce, isolate, root-cause, fix, and verify stages to systematically identify and resolve the underlying issue.

How do I verify a bug fix without introducing new issues during AI debugging?▼

You verify a bug fix by running the original failing tests that triggered the debugging workflow, ensuring the specific intermittent error is resolved and preventing new regressions during the AI debugging process.

Can I enforce user confirmation before an AI agent applies a code fix?▼

Yes, you can enforce user confirmation by implementing guardrails within the debugging workflow that block the fix phase until explicit user approval is granted following the root cause identification.

When should I use a structured debugging protocol instead of letting the AI agent freely edit code?▼

Use a structured debugging protocol instead of free-editing when tackling intermittent or hard-to-reproduce errors, as it prevents the AI from guessing fixes and spiraling, stabilizing the workflow to improve fix confidence.