sdd-baseline

Generates baseline documentation for undocumented legacy codebases via a codebase-archaeologist agent.

Updated Aug 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/asengardeon/btt-sdd-pipeline --skill sdd-baseline-asengardeon
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: sdd-baseline
Source: https://github.com/asengardeon/btt-sdd-pipeline/tree/main/.claude/skills/sdd-baseline
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/asengardeon/btt-sdd-pipeline --skill sdd-baseline-asengardeon

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? When a spec-driven development pipeline is adopted on top of an existing project, architects lack the grounding needed to write a Technical Requirements Document. This Skill fills that gap by producing a baseline document describing the existing system before any new feature work begins. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Conditional pipeline stage: Runs only when the repository (or a spec-relevant area) lacks sufficient documentation of existing code. - Scoped analysis: Targets either the entire repository or a specific area relevant to an in-progress spec, based on user input. - Agent delegation: Invokes the codebase-archaeologist agent to create or update docs/BASELINE.md, and treats "documentation already sufficient" as a valid outcome. - Use Case: You adopted the SDD template on a legacy project and need the architect to design a TRD. Run this Skill first so the architect has documented system conventions, architecture, and technical debt to build on. ## Quick Start Run /sdd-baseline and specify the repository or spec area to document so the codebase-archaeologist agent produces docs/BASELINE.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about sdd-baseline

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I document a legacy codebase before starting spec-driven development?▼

Run the /sdd-baseline command with a scope (whole repository or a spec-relevant area). It invokes the codebase-archaeologist agent, which analyzes the existing code and writes docs/BASELINE.md covering system overview, conventions, and technical debt.

When should I run the sdd-baseline step in the SDD pipeline?▼

Run it only when baseline documentation is missing, such as when the template was adopted over a legacy project or when the architect reports insufficient grounding for a TRD. It is a conditional stage, not a mandatory pipeline step.

Does the codebase-archaeologist agent modify or refactor my code?▼

No. The agent only documents what it finds and never corrects or refactors existing code. Its sole output is the docs/BASELINE.md documentation file.

What happens if the baseline documentation already exists?▼

The agent may conclude that documentation is already sufficient and create nothing. This is a valid, expected outcome, and the Skill reports it to the user rather than treating it as a failure.

Can I run sdd-baseline without the Agent tool available?▼

Yes. If the Agent tool is unavailable, follow the instructions in .claude/agents/codebase-archaeologist.md directly, documenting the code without changing it.