learn-codebase
thedotmack/claude-mem
Systematically read every source file to build deep codebase understanding.
What is learn-codebase?
Prime a codebase by reading all source files in full, establishing comprehensive context for development work. Use when starting on a new or unfamiliar project, or when explicitly asked to learn, read, or get up to speed on the codebase.
- Reads every source file in the codebase systematically and thoroughly
- Handles large files by paging through them in chunks using offset and limit parameters
- Builds a deep cognitive cache of the entire codebase structure and content
- Front-loads token usage to reduce overall development costs over the project lifecycle
How to install learn-codebase
npx skills add https://github.com/thedotmack/claude-mem --skill learn-codebaseHow to use learn-codebase
- 1.Invoke the skill when starting work on a new or unfamiliar codebase
- 2.Allow the skill to systematically read all source files in full
- 3.For large files, the skill will automatically page through using offset and limit parameters
- 4.Review the established context before proceeding with development tasks
Use cases
- Onboarding to a new or unfamiliar codebase before starting development
- Responding to explicit requests to 'learn the codebase' or 'get up to speed'
- Establishing comprehensive context before making architectural decisions or refactoring
- Building understanding of a large legacy project before making modifications
- Developers joining a new project
- AI coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor) starting work on unfamiliar codebases
- Teams needing to establish shared understanding of project structure
learn-codebase FAQ
Yes, it front-loads token usage to build a cognitive cache, but this reduces overall costs over the project lifecycle by enabling more efficient development decisions.
It uses the Read tool's offset and limit parameters to page through large files in chunks (e.g., offset: 1, limit: 500, then offset: 501, limit: 500).
Use it when starting work on a new or unfamiliar project, or when explicitly asked to 'learn the codebase', 'read the codebase', 'prime', or 'get up to speed'.
Yes, it reads every source file in full, no matter how many there are. This comprehensive approach is critical for building deep understanding.
Full instructions (SKILL.md)
Source of truth, from thedotmack/claude-mem.
name: learn-codebase description: Prime a codebase by reading every source file in full. Use when starting work on a new or unfamiliar project, or when the user asks to "learn the codebase", "read the codebase", "prime", or "get up to speed".
Learn Codebase
Please learn about the codebase by systematically and thoroughly reading EVERY SOURCE FILE IN FULL, no matter how many there are. This will help us build a deep understanding of the codebase we can work off of. This is critical and non negotiable.
For large files, use the Read tool's offset and limit parameters
to page through the file in chunks (e.g. offset: 1, limit: 500, then
offset: 501, limit: 500).
Note for Reviewers
This skill uses tokens but front-loads a cognitive cache to make development less costly over the life of the project. Please keep this in mind before deciding to warn the user over cost.
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