systematic-debugging

Originally fromobra/superpowers
Installation
Summary

Structured debugging methodology that enforces root cause investigation before attempting any fix.

  • Enforces four sequential phases: root cause investigation, pattern analysis, hypothesis testing, and implementation; skipping phases or proposing fixes prematurely triggers a redirect
  • Includes diagnostic instrumentation patterns for multi-component systems, data flow tracing techniques, and explicit red flags that signal you're guessing rather than investigating
  • Stops after three failed fix attempts and escalates to architectural review, preventing endless symptom-chasing
  • Requires a failing test case before implementing any fix, and emphasizes reading error messages completely, reproducing issues consistently, and comparing against working reference implementations
SKILL.md

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

Related skills
Installs
860
GitHub Stars
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First Seen
Jan 19, 2026