Knowledge and patterns for understanding project structures, architectures, and codebases.
View on GitHubdrewdresser/ai-dev-settings
ai-dev
skills/analyzing-projects/SKILL.md
January 22, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/drewdresser/ai-dev-settings/blob/main/skills/analyzing-projects/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill analyzing-projectsInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/analyzing-projects/# Analyzing Projects Skill
This skill provides patterns and techniques for understanding unfamiliar codebases and project structures.
## Quick Reconnaissance
### 1. Project Type Detection
Check for key files to identify the project type:
| File | Indicates |
|------|-----------|
| `package.json` | Node.js project |
| `pyproject.toml` | Modern Python project |
| `requirements.txt` | Python project |
| `go.mod` | Go project |
| `Cargo.toml` | Rust project |
| `pom.xml` | Java Maven project |
| `build.gradle` | Java Gradle project |
| `Gemfile` | Ruby project |
### 2. Framework Detection
| File/Pattern | Framework |
|--------------|-----------|
| `next.config.js` | Next.js |
| `vite.config.ts` | Vite |
| `angular.json` | Angular |
| `src/App.vue` | Vue.js |
| `manage.py` | Django |
| `app.py` / Flask imports | Flask |
| `main.go` | Go |
| `src/main.rs` | Rust |
### 3. Architecture Patterns
Look for these directory structures:
```
# Monolith
src/
models/
views/
controllers/
# Microservices
services/
user-service/
order-service/
payment-service/
# Domain-Driven Design
src/
domain/
application/
infrastructure/
# Feature-based
src/
features/
auth/
dashboard/
settings/
```
## Key Files to Read First
1. **`/strategy/VISION.md`** - Strategic context (if exists)
2. **`/strategy/OKRs.md`** - Current priorities (if exists)
3. **`/strategy/adrs/`** - Architecture decisions (if exists)
4. **README.md** - Project overview and setup
5. **package.json / pyproject.toml** - Dependencies and scripts
6. **docker-compose.yml** - Services and infrastructure
7. **.env.example** - Required configuration
8. **Makefile / justfile** - Available commands
### Strategy Folder (if present)
If a `/strategy/` folder exists, prioritize reading:
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `VISION.md` | North star, strategic bets, non-goals |
| `OKRs.md` | Current quarter objectives |
| `epics/*.md` | Active feature initiatives |
| `tasks/*.md` | Specific wo