# Skill: Map this repo A navigation playbook (a Module 21 skill) for orienting in a codebase you didn't write. Point Claude Code (or sub your own agent) at this file as a skill, or paste it in as instructions. The goal is a **read-only** mental model; no edits happen here. ## When to use At the start of any session on an unfamiliar repo, before any change is discussed. ## Rules - **Read only.** Do not edit, create, or delete files while mapping. No exceptions. - **Cite real paths.** Every claim about the code must point to a file and, ideally, a line range. If you can't cite it, say "unverified" instead of guessing. - **Breadth before depth.** Establish the whole shape before going deep on any one area. - **No conclusions from file names alone.** A file called `auth.py` may not be where auth lives. ## Steps 1. Read the orientation pack (from `orient.py`), the README, and any `CONTRIBUTING`, `ARCHITECTURE`, or committed AI-instructions file. Treat these as claims to verify, not truth. 2. Identify the **entry points**: how does this thing start? (CLI `main`, web server, library exports.) Name the exact file(s). 3. Trace **one representative request/command end to end**, from entry point to where it does its real work and back. List the files it passes through, in order. 4. Produce an **architecture summary** (max ~1 page): - One paragraph: what this project does and how it's structured. - A "where things live" table: concern -> directory/file. - The build/test/run commands, confirmed against the README or CI config. - 3-5 things that surprised you or look risky to touch. 5. List **open questions** you could not resolve from the code. Do not paper over them. ## Output A single Markdown summary. End with: "Verified against: ."