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dev-research-pattern-finding

Research
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Find existing code patterns before implementing new features

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How to use this skill

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  1. Open your project in Codex.
  2. Copy the prompt below and paste it into your agent.
  3. Review the proposed files and risks before you approve installation.
Prompt to paste
I want to install this Agent Skill for this project in Codex.

Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/data/dev-research-pattern-finding/SKILL.md

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Pattern Finding

Find existing implementations in the codebase before writing new code.

Process

  1. Identify key terms from the task description
  2. Search for similar code using Glob/Grep
  3. Analyze the patterns used in existing implementations
  4. Document findings for implementation

Search Strategies

By Feature Name

# Find files related to player movement
Glob("**/*movement*")
Glob("**/*player*")

# Search for specific patterns
Grep("function.*movement", "src/")

By File Type

# Find React components
Glob("src/components/**/*.tsx")

# Find hooks
Glob("**/hooks/*.ts")

By Pattern

# Find useState patterns
Grep("useState.*THREE", "src/")

# Find useEffect cleanup
Grep("useEffect.*return.*cleanup", "src/")

What to Look For

  • Import patterns - How are modules imported?
  • Component structure - Functional vs class, hooks used
  • State management - Zustand stores, contexts
  • API patterns - How are API calls made?
  • Error handling - Try/catch patterns
  • File organization - Where does code belong?

Output Format

Document findings as:

## Pattern: {pattern name}

Found in: {file paths}

Usage: {how it's used}

Key elements:
- {element 1}
- {element 2}

Anti-Patterns

❌ DON'T:

  • Search too broadly - Grep("function") returns too many results
  • Skip reading context - Copying code without understanding causes bugs
  • Assume patterns are correct - Existing code may have technical debt
  • Ignore test files - Tests often show how code is meant to be used
  • Search only one way - Combine Glob + Grep for best results

✅ DO:

  • Use specific search terms - Grep("function.*movement", "src/components/")
  • Read multiple examples - Find the common pattern across implementations
  • Check test files - Tests reveal intended usage patterns
  • Verify patterns work - Don't copy broken or outdated code
  • Document findings - Write down patterns for reference during implementation