# codebase-explorer

Maps an unfamiliar project’s stack, architecture, entry points, and data flow. It can also write findings to CLAUDE.md on request.

- subagent · `type=agent` · Claude Code · 256 installs
- Author: davila7
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/davila7/claude-code-templates/tree/HEAD/cli-tool/components/agents/development-tools/codebase-explorer.md
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/codebase-explorer

## What it does

The subagent examines project files and Git history, then maps dependencies, routing, the data layer, and recurring patterns. It returns a structured project overview with key directories, entry points, development commands, and notable details.

After the overview, it can ask whether you want a `CLAUDE.md` for future sessions. If you agree, it writes the file at the project root. Its available tools are `Read`, `Write`, `Edit`, `Bash`, `Grep`, and `Glob`. It skips files that are not present; if a `CLAUDE.md` already exists, it reads it and offers an update instead of replacing it.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **claude-code-templates**
```bash
npx claude-code-templates@latest --agent development-tools/codebase-explorer
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.claude/agents/codebase-explorer.md` — For all projects use ~/.claude/agents/. Claude delegates by the description field or an @-mention

### Codex

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.codex/agents/codebase-explorer.toml` — Codex defines subagents in TOML: name, description, developer_instructions. Move the Markdown text into developer_instructions by hand. For all projects use ~/.codex/agents/

### Cursor

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/agents/codebase-explorer.md` — Cursor also reads .claude/agents/

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/davila7/claude-code-templates/tree/HEAD/cli-tool/components/agents/development-tools/codebase-explorer.md

## When to use it
- understand the architecture of a newly cloned repository
- locate application entry points and routes
- map project dependencies and its data layer
- save project context in `CLAUDE.md`

## Example prompts
- Explore this repository and explain its structure.
- I just cloned this project. Map its architecture and entry points.
- Review the codebase and ask whether to save the findings in `CLAUDE.md`.

## Similar
- [frontend-developer](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/voltagent-community-frontend-developer.md) — subagent · 40905 installs
- [dx-optimizer](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/dx-optimizer.md) — subagent · 1198 installs
- [mlops-engineer](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/voltagent-community-mlops-engineer.md) — subagent · 1009 installs
- [postgres-pro](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/postgres-pro.md) — subagent · 897 installs
- [agent-installer](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/agent-installer.md) — subagent · 363 installs
- [embedded-systems](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/embedded-systems.md) — subagent · 279 installs

From the same set: [davila7/claude-code-templates](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/davila7/claude-code-templates.md) — 804 cards

---
NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md