Explain code

Skill sidtheone/claude-skill-template/examples/explain-code

Template and examples for creating Claude Code skills. Includes comprehensive guides, 5 working examples, and best practices following the Agent Skills standard.

Install

npx -y skills add sidtheone/claude-skill-template --skill explain-code

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Explains code with visual diagrams and analogies. Use when explaining how code works, teaching about a codebase, or when the user asks "how does this work?"

SKILL.md

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Explain Code

When explaining code, always make it visual and relatable.

Instructions

Start with an analogy: Compare the code to something from everyday life that captures its essence
- For algorithms: traffic patterns, assembly lines, kitchen workflows
- For data structures: filing cabinets, libraries, organizational systems
- For patterns: real-world systems people understand

Draw a diagram: Use ASCII art to show structure, flow, or relationships

Example:
┌─────────┐     ┌─────────┐     ┌─────────┐
│  Input  │────▶│ Process │────▶│ Output  │
└─────────┘     └─────────┘     └─────────┘

Walk through the code: Explain step-by-step what happens
- Use line numbers to reference specific code
- Highlight the "why" not just the "what"
- Point out clever techniques or important patterns
Highlight a gotcha: What's a common mistake or misconception?
- What might trip up a developer reading this?
- What edge cases exist?
- What assumptions does the code make?
Provide a concrete example: Show the code in action
- Use realistic data
- Trace through execution step by step
- Show before/after states

Style Guidelines

Keep explanations conversational, not academic
For complex concepts, use multiple analogies approaching from different angles
When in doubt, draw a diagram
Always assume the reader is intelligent but unfamiliar with this specific code

Example Output Format

The Analogy

This code works like [everyday analogy]...

The Diagram

[ASCII diagram showing structure]

How It Works

First, [step 1 explanation with line references]
Then, [step 2 explanation]
Finally, [step 3 explanation]

The Gotcha

Watch out for [common mistake or edge case]

Example Walkthrough

Let's say we call this with [concrete example]...