systematic-debugging
Systematic Debugging
Overview
Random fixes waste time and create new bugs. Quick patches mask underlying issues.
Core principle: ALWAYS find root cause before attempting fixes. Symptom fixes are failure.
Violating the letter of this process is violating the spirit of debugging.
The Iron Law
NO FIXES WITHOUT ROOT CAUSE INVESTIGATION FIRST
If you haven't completed Phase 1, you cannot propose fixes.
When to Use
More from joshuadavidthomas/superpowers
writing-plans
Use when you have a spec or requirements for a multi-step task, before touching code
1brainstorming
You MUST use this before any creative work - creating features, building components, adding functionality, or modifying behavior. Explores user intent, requirements and design before implementation.
1writing-skills
Use when creating new skills, editing existing skills, or verifying skills work before deployment
1executing-plans
Use when you have a written implementation plan to execute in a separate session with review checkpoints
1using-git-worktrees
Use when starting feature work that needs isolation from current workspace or before executing implementation plans - creates isolated git worktrees with smart directory selection and safety verification
1using-superpowers
Use when starting any conversation - establishes how to find and use skills, requiring Skill tool invocation before ANY response including clarifying questions
1