phase-gated-debugging
Use when debugging any bug. Enforces a 5-phase protocol where code edits are blocked until root cause is confirmed. Prevents premature fix attempts.
Phase-Gated Debugging
Overview
AI coding agents see an error and immediately edit code. They guess at fixes, get it wrong, and spiral. This skill enforces a strict 5-phase protocol where you CANNOT edit source code until the root cause is identified and confirmed.
Based on claude-debug (full plugin with PreToolUse hook enforcement).
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- a bug keeps getting "fixed" without resolving the underlying issue
- you need to slow an agent down and force disciplined debugging before code edits
- the failure is intermittent, a regression, performance-related, or otherwise hard to isolate
- you want an explicit user confirmation checkpoint before any fix is applied
The Protocol
Phase 1: REPRODUCE
Run the failing command/test. Capture the exact error. Run 2-3 times for consistency.
- Do NOT read source code
- Do NOT hypothesize
- Do NOT edit any files
Phase 2: ISOLATE
Read code. Add diagnostic logging marked // DEBUG. Re-run with diagnostics. Binary search to narrow down.
- Only
// DEBUGmarked logging is allowed - Do NOT fix the bug even if you see it
Phase 3: ROOT CAUSE
Analyze WHY at the isolated location. Use "5 Whys" technique. Remove debug logging.
State: "This is my root cause analysis: [explanation]. Do you agree, or should I investigate further?"
**WAIT for user confirm
Subscribers only
The full skill, its 1 bundled files and every download is included with every paid Complete AI plan.
Details
| Source | community |
|---|---|
| License | — |
| Risk label | safe ("critical" means the skill may run commands or touch files — read before use) |
| Files | SKILL.md |
| Added | 2026-03-28 |
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