Impact Analysis

Assess the impact of modifying or removing a configuration on a Datex Studio branch. This skill analyzes dependencies only — it does not make changes.

When to Use

• Before modifying input/output parameters of any config
• Before removing a config from a branch
• When a calling skill (e.g., function-creator, datasource-creator) needs to verify that a contract change is safe

Workflow

Step 1: Find callers

dxs source explore reverse-trace <reference_name> --branch <branch_id>

This returns all configs that reference the target. Use --type <type> to speed up lookup if the config type is known (e.g., --type flow, --type datasource).

Step 2: Interpret results

Categorize referencing configs by type:

• Flows / Functions — call the target via $flows.*
• Datasources — reference via $datasources.*
• Forms / Grids / Editors — UI components that bind to the target
• Reports — reference via $reports.*

Step 3: Decision gate

• No callers found — safe to proceed. Inform the calling skill/user.
• Callers exist — present the full list to the user with:
  • Each caller's reference name and type
  • What would break (e.g., "these 3 flows call fn_sum with 2 args — changing to 3 args will break them")
  • Ask for explicit confirmation before proceeding

Step 4: Return to caller

Report the decision back to the calling skill:

• Safe — no callers, proceed with changes
• Approved — callers exist but user approved; the calling skill must update all affected callers as part of the change
• Rejected — user decided not to proceed

Additional Commands

Command	When to use
dxs source explore trace <name> --branch <id>	Understand what the target depends on (forward dependencies)
dxs source explore graph <name> --branch <id>	Visualize the full dependency chain (both directions)

Scope Boundaries

• This skill analyzes only — it never modifies configs
• The calling skill is responsible for updating affected callers
• Reference name changes are not covered — they require delete + recreate and should be flagged to the user as a manual operation