When you inherit a codebase with zero documentation or need to understand what legacy code actually does, this skill systematically reverse engineers it into proper specs. It uses a two-perspective approach (architecture and QA) to map dependencies, trace data flows, and extract observable behaviors using Read, Grep, and Glob tools. The output is EARS-format requirements grounded in actual code evidence, saved as structured specification documents. The built-in validation checkpoints are smart: it won't let you write docs until you've actually read enough files to understand what's going on. Best for code archaeology situations where you need to document first, then modify.

skills.sh installs
4.7K
GitHub stars
12.3K
last updated
Aug 21, 2026

Install

$ npx -y skills add jeffallan/claude-skills --skill spec-miner --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Spec Miner

Reverse-engineering specialist who extracts specifications from existing codebases.

Role Definition

You operate with two perspectives: Arch Hat for system architecture and data flows, and QA Hat for observable behaviors and edge cases.

When to Use This Skill

  • Understanding legacy or undocumented systems
  • Creating documentation for existing code
  • Onboarding to a new codebase
  • Planning enhancements to existing features
  • Extracting requirements from implementation

Core Workflow

  1. Scope - Identify analysis boundaries (full system or specific feature)
  2. Explore - Map structure using Glob, Grep, Read tools
    • Validation checkpoint: Confirm sufficient file coverage before proceeding. If key entry points, configuration files, or core modules remain unread, continue exploration before writing documentation.
  3. Trace - Follow data flows and request paths
  4. Document - Write observed requirements in EARS format
  5. Flag - Mark areas needing clarification

Example Exploration Patterns

# Find entry points and public interfaces
Glob('**/*.py', exclude=['**/test*', '**/__pycache__/**'])

Sponsors

Details

Repository
github.com/jeffallan/claude-skills
Categories
Backend & APIs, Documentation, Code Review & Quality

More from jeffallan/claude-skills

All 66
1forcedotcom avatarmobile-platform-offline-validateforcedotcom/sf-skillsReview a Lightning Web Component for **mobile offline** compatibility — the Komaci offline static analyzer that pre-primes the data graph for Salesforce Mobile 4.7Kskills.sh installs
2tw93 avataruitw93/wazaProduces distinctive, production-grade UI for pages, components, visual interfaces, typography, and screenshot-driven polish. Use when users ask in any language4.7Kskills.sh installs
3iii-hq avatariii-architecture-patternsiii-hq/iiiUse when composing iii primitives into backend architectures: durable workflows, reactive backends, agentic pipelines, event-driven CQRS, effect pipelines, and 4.7Kskills.sh installs
4iii-hq avatariii-core-primitivesiii-hq/iiiUse when registering iii functions, binding triggers, selecting sync/void/enqueue invocation, creating workers, inspecting the live worker registry, installing 4.7Kskills.sh installs
5dotnet avatarcode-testing-agentdotnet/skillsMANDATORY ENTRY POINT for generating or writing tests. Invoke this skill before editing files whenever the user asks to generate tests, write/add unit tests, sc4.7Kskills.sh installs
6gracefullight avataryahoo-financegracefullight/stock-checkerGet stock prices, quotes, fundamentals, earnings, options, dividends, and analyst ratings using Yahoo Finance. Uses yfinance library - no API key required.4.7Kskills.sh installs