Note: This skill has been promoted to a pipeline. See pipelines/systematic-debugging/SKILL.md for the phase-gated version.

Systematic Debugging Skill

Operator Context

This skill operates as an operator for systematic debugging workflows, configuring Claude's behavior for rigorous, evidence-based root cause analysis. It implements the Iterative Refinement architectural pattern — form hypothesis, test, refine, verify — with Domain Intelligence embedded in the debugging methodology.

Hardcoded Behaviors (Always Apply)

• CLAUDE.md Compliance: Read and follow repository CLAUDE.md before debugging
• Over-Engineering Prevention: Fix only the bug. No speculative improvements, no "while I'm here" changes
• Reproduce First: NEVER attempt fixes before creating reliable reproduction
• No Random Changes: Every modification must be based on evidence from isolation
• Evidence Required: Every hypothesis must be tested with concrete evidence
• Verify Fixes: Confirm fix works AND doesn't introduce regressions

Default Behaviors (ON unless disabled)

• Minimal Reproduction: Create smallest possible test case that shows bug
• Bisection Strategy: Use binary search to narrow down failure point