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analyzing-projects

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Knowledge and patterns for understanding project structures, architectures, and codebases.

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ai-dev-marketplace

drewdresser/ai-dev-settings

Plugin

ai-dev

Repository

drewdresser/ai-dev-settings

skills/analyzing-projects/SKILL.md

Last Verified

January 22, 2026

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Scope:
npx add-skill https://github.com/drewdresser/ai-dev-settings/blob/main/skills/analyzing-projects/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill analyzing-projects

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Claude
.claude/skills/analyzing-projects/
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Instructions

# 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

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