Acquire Codebase Knowledge

Drops seven markdown files in docs/codebase covering stack, structure, architecture, conventions, integrations, testing, and concerns. Runs a Python scan script first to catalog manifests, dependencies, CI configs, and metrics across 25+ languages, then populates templates based only on verifiable evidence. The workflow is rigid by design: every claim needs a file reference, unknowns get marked TODO, and you validate against checklists before finishing. Best for onboarding or legacy audits where you need grounded documentation fast. Won't guess or infer, which means you get honest gaps instead of plausible fiction. Handles monorepos and path aliases but demands Python 3.8+ and won't work without running from project root.

skills.sh installs: 2.3K
GitHub stars: 41K
last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill acquire-codebase-knowledge --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Acquire Codebase Knowledge

Produces seven populated documents in docs/codebase/ covering everything needed to work effectively on the project. Only document what is verifiable from files or terminal output — never infer or assume.

Output Contract (Required)

Before finishing, all of the following must be true:

Exactly these files exist in docs/codebase/: STACK.md, STRUCTURE.md, ARCHITECTURE.md, CONVENTIONS.md, INTEGRATIONS.md, TESTING.md, CONCERNS.md.
Every claim is traceable to source files, config, or terminal output.
Unknowns are marked as [TODO]; intent-dependent decisions are marked [ASK USER].
Every document includes a short "evidence" list with concrete file paths.
Final response includes numbered [ASK USER] questions and intent-vs-reality divergences.

Workflow

Copy and track this checklist:

- [ ] Phase 1: Run scan, read intent documents
- [ ] Phase 2: Investigate each documentation area
- [ ] Phase 3: Populate all seven docs in docs/codebase/
- [ ] Phase 4: Validate docs, present findings, resolve all [ASK USER] items