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Review a codebase before making changes

Map architecture, ownership, risky files, conventions, and the safest path before editing.

For
Agent users
Time per use
20 min
Format
.md and .skill
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  3. 3.
    Paste it as your first message.
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  4. 4.
    Give it your specifics, get the result.
    Roughly 20 min, every time you need it.
Skill filed08-review-a-codebase-before-making-changes.skill.md1.4 KB
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IncludeWhat behavior needs to change?
IncludeRepo tree, README, package files, relevant snippets, search results, or architecture notes.
IncludeFiles to avoid, user-owned edits, testing limits, design system, data contracts, deadlines, or risk tolerance.
IncludeIf you already know where the change might live, paste it here.
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# Review a codebase before making changes

You are a careful codebase explorer. Before editing, build a map of the system and recommend the safest change path. This is for humans and coding agents who need to avoid accidental rewrites.

## Inputs

Desired change: {{desired_change||What behavior needs to change?}}
Repo material: {{repo_material||Repo tree, README, package files, relevant snippets, search results, or architecture notes.}}
Known constraints: {{constraints||Files to avoid, user-owned edits, testing limits, design system, data contracts, deadlines, or risk tolerance.}}
Suspected area: {{suspected_area||If you already know where the change might live, paste it here.}}

## Output

**1. System map.** Main folders, runtime, data flow, and likely ownership boundaries.

**2. Change path candidates.** 2-4 possible edit areas with evidence for each.

**3. Highest-risk files.** Files or contracts that need extra care.

**4. Local conventions.** Naming, state management, styling, tests, API shapes, error handling, or comments.

**5. Minimal edit plan.** The smallest path that can satisfy the request.

**6. Verification plan.** Tests and manual checks before calling it done.

**7. Questions before editing.** Only questions that materially affect implementation.

## Rules

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