root-cause-first

Trace software failures to their root mechanism and implement source fixes.

14|1|Updated Jun 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cohen-liel/agent-skills --skill root-cause-first
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: root-cause-first
Source: https://github.com/cohen-liel/agent-skills/tree/main/root-cause-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cohen-liel/agent-skills --skill root-cause-first

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you fix software failures by tracing the actual mechanism behind a symptom instead of hiding it with a quick patch.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Identifies the observed failure, reconstructs the intended contract, and traces the real execution path before any change.
  • Rejects band-aids such as null checks, retries, catch-and-continue, default-on-error, or broad parsing when they only suppress the signal.
  • Fits bugs, runtime errors, failing tests, flaky behavior, regressions, broken agent workflows, and architecture issues where root cause must be proven first.

Quick Start

Use the root-cause-first skill to investigate the failing behavior, explain the root mechanism, implement the smallest source fix, and verify it with a regression test.

Frequently Asked Questions about root-cause-first

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I fix flaky tests by finding the root cause instead of masking symptoms?▼

To fix flaky tests and runtime errors, reproduce the issue, reconstruct the intended contract, trace the real execution path, implement the smallest source fix, and verify it with a regression test.

What is the best way to debug software failures without using band-aid patches?▼

Debugging software failures without band-aids requires rejecting null checks, retries, catch-and-continue, and default-on-error suppressions, tracing the observed failure to its root mechanism before applying a source fix.

How do I diagnose broken agent workflows and regressions before changing code?▼

Diagnose broken agent workflows and regressions by reproducing the issue, reconstructing the contract, and tracing the execution path to prove the root cause before implementing any code change.

When should I avoid quick patches like catch-and-continue during failure diagnosis?▼

Avoid quick patches like catch-and-continue during failure diagnosis when they only suppress the signal, requiring proof of the root mechanism through execution path tracing before applying a source fix.

Can I verify a root cause fix for runtime errors when full automated testing is unavailable?▼

You can verify a root cause fix for runtime errors using a regression test, or by performing an explicit human check when full automated verification is unavailable.

Does root-cause-first work for diagnosing architecture issues and failing tests?▼

Root-cause-first applies to diagnosing architecture issues, failing tests, runtime errors, flaky behavior, regressions, and broken agent workflows where the root cause must be proven before any code change.