ai-explainlisted

# Explain ## Quick start ``` /ai-explain "how does the audit chain work" --depth brief /ai-explain auth-handler.ts:42-90 --depth standard /ai-explain "spec lifecycle FSM" --depth deep ``` Engineer-grade technical explanations of code, concepts, patterns, and architecture. 3-tier depth control scales detail to what the developer needs. Anchored in the actual codebase with `file:line` references, ASCII diagrams, and execution traces. ## When to Use - "How does this work?", "What is this?", "Why does this do X?", "Trace this." - NOT for generating documentation -- use `/ai-prose`. - NOT for writing/fixing code -- use `/ai-build` or `/ai-debug`. ## Process ### 1. Identify subject Classify into: Code, Concept, Pattern, Architecture, Error, or Difference. If ambiguous, ask ONE clarifying question. ### 2. Search codebase Use Grep/Glob to find real instances. Codebase examples with `file:line` references are primary evidence. If not found, use generic example in project's stack and note it. ### 3. Select depth | Depth | Trigger cues | Sections | |-------|-------------|----------| | Brief | "TL;DR", "brief", "short" | Summary + Walkthrough (3-5 steps) | | Standard | General question (DEFAULT) | Summary + Walkthrough + Diagram + Gotchas + Trace | | Deep | "deep dive", "everything", "teach me" | All above + Context Map + Complexity Notes | ### 4. Deliver explanation Sections (depth selection per step 3 table): - **Summary**: 1-2 technical sentences -- what it does and why