codebase-analysis — Claude Code skill: understand a repo fast
A skill for getting oriented in an unfamiliar repository: it fires a Python script that walks the project and builds a picture of structure, flows and decisions.
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a claude-codeWhat codebase-analysis does
The skill activates when you ask the agent to understand a codebase, grasp its architecture or just find your way around a repo. From there the script drives the work, step by step. That is why the description tells you not to explore first — doing so duplicates what the script already handles.
Invocation goes through Python: python3 -m skills.codebase_analysis.analyze --step 1, run from .claude/skills/scripts. So python3 has to be on the machine, and the scripts path must match where you installed the skill.
The output is meant as groundwork for whatever comes next — problem analysis, refactoring, anything that needs comprehension before edits. If all you want is an answer about one file, the full walk is overkill.
What it helps with
- get oriented in an unfamiliar repository before the first edit
- map the architecture and how modules connect
- gather context on decisions baked into the code
- lay groundwork for problem analysis and refactoring
- make sense of a project you inherited
Example prompts for the agent
- understand this codebase and explain the architecture
- run codebase-analysis on the repo, I just cloned it
- I need a picture of the project structure before refactoring — use the skill
How to install codebase-analysis
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/codebase-analysis/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install solatis/claude-config codebase-analysis2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/solatis/claude-config --path skills/codebase-analysisManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about codebase-analysis
How do I install codebase-analysis in Claude?
Run npx skills add solatis/claude-config --skill codebase-analysis -a claude-code. The skill lands at ~/.claude/skills/codebase-analysis/SKILL.md.
What does codebase-analysis do?
It builds foundational understanding of a codebase: structure, patterns, flows and decision context. A Python script orchestrates the exploration.
Does the skill need Python?
Yes. It invokes python3 -m skills.codebase_analysis.analyze --step 1, so the interpreter must be available in your environment.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
--- name: codebase-analysis description: Invoke IMMEDIATELY via python script when user requests codebase understanding, architecture comprehension, or repository orientation. Do NOT explore first - the script orchestrates exploration. --- # Codebase Analysis Understanding-focused skill that builds foundational comprehension of codebase structure, patterns, flows, decisions, and context. Serves as foundation for downstream analysis skills (problem-analysis, refactor, etc.). When this skill activates, IMMEDIATELY invoke the script. The script IS the workflow. Invoke: <invoke working-dir=".claude/skills/scripts" cmd="python3 -m skills.codebase_analysis.analyze --step 1" />
© solatis · MIT · solatis/claude-config
