systematic-debugging
4-phase systematic debugging methodology with root cause analysis and evidence-based verification. Use when debugging complex issues.
How do I install this agent skill?
npx skills add https://github.com/vudovn/ag-kit --skill systematic-debuggingIs this agent skill safe to install?
- Gen Agent Trust Hubpass
The skill provides a structured 4-phase debugging methodology (Reproduce, Isolate, Understand, Fix & Verify) and checklist for complex problem-solving. No security risks, malicious patterns, or unsafe commands were detected.
- Socketpass
No alerts
- Snykpass
Risk: LOW · No issues
What does this agent skill do?
Systematic Debugging
Source: obra/superpowers
Overview
This skill provides a structured approach to debugging that prevents random guessing and ensures problems are properly understood before solving.
4-Phase Debugging Process
Phase 1: Reproduce
Before fixing, reliably reproduce the issue.
## Reproduction Steps
1. [Exact step to reproduce]
2. [Next step]
3. [Expected vs actual result]
## Reproduction Rate
- [ ] Always (100%)
- [ ] Often (50-90%)
- [ ] Sometimes (10-50%)
- [ ] Rare (<10%)
Phase 2: Isolate
Narrow down the source.
## Isolation Questions
- When did this start happening?
- What changed recently?
- Does it happen in all environments?
- Can we reproduce with minimal code?
- What's the smallest change that triggers it?
Phase 3: Understand
Find the root cause, not just symptoms.
## Root Cause Analysis
### The 5 Whys
1. Why: [First observation]
2. Why: [Deeper reason]
3. Why: [Still deeper]
4. Why: [Getting closer]
5. Why: [Root cause]
Phase 4: Fix & Verify
Fix and verify it's truly fixed.
## Fix Verification
- [ ] Bug no longer reproduces
- [ ] Related functionality still works
- [ ] No new issues introduced
- [ ] Test added to prevent regression
Debugging Checklist
## Before Starting
- [ ] Can reproduce consistently
- [ ] Have minimal reproduction case
- [ ] Understand expected behavior
## During Investigation
- [ ] Check recent changes (git log)
- [ ] Check logs for errors
- [ ] Add logging if needed
- [ ] Use debugger/breakpoints
## After Fix
- [ ] Root cause documented
- [ ] Fix verified
- [ ] Regression test added
- [ ] Similar code checked
Common Debugging Commands
# Recent changes
git log --oneline -20
git diff HEAD~5
# Search for pattern
grep -r "errorPattern" --include="*.ts"
# Check logs
pm2 logs app-name --err --lines 100
Anti-Patterns
❌ Random changes - "Maybe if I change this..." ❌ Ignoring evidence - "That can't be the cause" ❌ Assuming - "It must be X" without proof ❌ Not reproducing first - Fixing blindly ❌ Stopping at symptoms - Not finding root cause
How can the creator link this skill?
Add the canonical catalog link to the repository README so users can inspect current installs and available audits. The publishing guide covers the complete discovery path.
<a href="https://skillzs.dev/skills/vudovn/ag-kit/systematic-debugging">View systematic-debugging on skillZs</a>