phase-gated-debugging

# Phase-Gated Debugging ## Overview AI coding agents see an error and immediately edit code. They guess at fixes, get it wrong, and spiral. This skill enforces a strict 5-phase protocol where you CANNOT edit source code until the root cause is identified and confirmed. Based on [claude-debug](https://github.com/krabat-l/claude-debug) (full plugin with PreToolUse hook enforcement). ## When to Use Use this skill when: - a bug keeps getting "fixed" without resolving the underlying issue - you need to slow an agent down and force disciplined debugging before code edits - the failure is intermittent, a regression, performance-related, or otherwise hard to isolate - you want an explicit user confirmation checkpoint before any fix is applied ## The Protocol ### Phase 1: REPRODUCE Run the failing command/test. Capture the exact error. Run 2-3 times for consistency. - Do NOT read source code - Do NOT hypothesize - Do NOT edit any files ### Phase 2: ISOLATE Read code. Add diagnostic logging marked `// DEBUG`. Re-run with diagnostics. Binary search to narrow down. - Only `// DEBUG` marked logging is allowed - Do NOT fix the bug even if you see it ### Phase 3: ROOT CAUSE Analyze WHY at the isolated location. Use "5 Whys" technique. Remove debug logging. State: "This is my root cause analysis: [explanation]. Do you agree, or should I investigate further?" **WAIT for user confirmation. Do NOT proceed without it.** ### Phase 4: FIX Remove all `// DEBUG` lines. Apply minimal cha...