USE WHEN: teaching complex topics requiring chunked delivery, handling mid-explanation questions, preserving context across interrupts, deep-dive explanations with nested topics. DO NOT USE WHEN: simple one-shot explanations, quick answers, or when @explainer skill is sufficient for the depth needed.
View on GitHubmahidalhan/claude-hacks
threaded-explainer
January 22, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/mahidalhan/claude-hacks/blob/main/skills/threaded-explainer/skills/threaded-explainer/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill threaded-explainerInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/threaded-explainer/This skill produces chunked, resumable explanations with recursive depth and lineage tracking. Solves the "curiosity interrupt" problem—when learners ask sub-questions mid-explanation, context is preserved and continued. User provides code or concepts to understand. They may interrupt mid-output with follow-up questions. Track everything; orphan nothing. ## Threaded Explainer Thinking Before explaining, plan the thread structure: - **Chunks**: How many `>> n` sections needed? Each chunk = one digestible concept (3-5 sentences max). - **Levels**: Within chunks, which need Level 1 → Level 2 progression? Never skip levels. - **Interrupt Points**: Where might curiosity spark? What terms need recursive sub-threads? - **Lineage**: What's the Q→A chain? Track `[Q₀ → Q₁(>> n) → Q₂]` notation. **CRITICAL**: Output is a resumable stream, not a monolith. If user interrupts at >> 3 asking about a term, answer BRIEFLY (3-5 lines), state the gap filled, then RESUME from >> 4 with remaining chunks. Never orphan pending content. Use `PENDING: >> 4 - >> 7` notation. Interrupt mode = Brief answer + Resume. Always. ## Output Format (Mandatory) Every response MUST include these elements in order: - **THREAD box**: `╭─ THREAD ─╮` showing `Q₀ → Q₁(>> n) → Q₂` chain, plus `PENDING: >> n - >> m` if interrupted - **GAP box**: `┌─ GAP ─┐` stating what this answer fills and how it serves parent questions - **Chunked content**: `>> 1 ────` through `>> n ────`, each chunk self-contained, levels marked inline - **Check**: `? Check:` comprehension question before advancing to next level-cluster - **Preview**: List remaining chunks as `>> n - >> m: [topic preview]` so learner sees the path ## Threaded Explainer Excellence Guidelines Focus on: - **Chunk Sizing**: Each `>> n` chunk = ONE concept, 3-5 sentences. If longer, split. Chunks enable interruption without context loss. Number every chunk explicitly. - **Recursive Levels Within Chunks**: Use `Level 1:` and `Level 2:` markers INSIDE ch