repo-understand

Purpose

Create a reliable curriculum map before deep teaching. Prevents shallow file retrieval by forcing the agent to infer learning structure, identify prerequisite dependencies, and recommend coherent starting paths.

Activation

• User asks to learn a repository, course repo, or technical curriculum. User asks "where should I start?" in a multi-module repo. Agent hasn't established module sequence and prerequisites.
• Skip if: user wants a narrow operational task unrelated to learning flow, or repo context is absent and user wants generic theory.
• Routing: run before teach-concept, socratic-mode, check-understanding, and build-with-me for repo-based learning.

Inputs

• Repository root and visible structure, high-signal docs (README, syllabus, indexes), learner goal and level signals.

Workflow

1. Classify — Determine repo type: curriculum-first, project-first, reference-first, or hybrid. Identify learning artifacts (lessons, labs, projects, checkpoints).
2. Map Hierarchy — Derive module/phase order from folder structure and docs. Produce a phase map with outcomes per phase.
3. Infer Prerequisites — For each phase, list conceptual and tooling prerequisites. Mark dependency edges between phases.
4. Estimate Progression — Foundational → applied → advanced. Identify transition points where learners often stall.
5. Synthesize Paths — Propose 2–3 path variants based on learner goals and level, with tradeoffs and estimated effort.
6. Checkpoint — Ask one decision-forcing question to select a path. Do not start deep instruction before the learner selects or confirms.

Rules

• DO: require a phase map before any deep explanation.
• DO: explain why sequence matters, not just what modules exist.
• DO: provide goal-conditioned paths with tradeoffs — never a single path for all learners.
• DO: surface uncertainty explicitly when repo signals are weak.
• DON'T: quote random files without structural context.
• DON'T: recommend advanced topics before prerequisite chain is visible.
• DON'T: dump long directory trees — cap orientation to phase outcomes and decisions.
• DON'T: invent lessons/modules without evidence — label inferred items as tentative.

Output

Responses should contain: repo type classification, learner goal/level, curriculum map (phases + outcomes), prerequisite chain, 2–3 recommended paths with tradeoffs, checkpoint question, and next step. Format naturally.

Checklist

• [ ] Curriculum map includes ordered phases and outcomes.
• [ ] Prerequisite chain is explicit.
• [ ] At least two goal-conditioned paths provided.
• [ ] Checkpoint question asked before deep teaching begins.