RP-Explorer Skill

Token-efficient codebase exploration using RepoPrompt CLI. Use this for brownfield projects before planning or debugging.

When to Use

• Before planning features in an existing codebase
• Before debugging issues
• When you need to understand code structure without reading every file
• When user says "explore", "understand codebase", "how does X work"

CLI Reference

Basic Usage

rp-cli -e '<command>'              # Run single command
rp-cli -e '<cmd1> && <cmd2>'       # Chain commands
rp-cli -w <id> -e '<command>'      # Target specific window

Core Commands

File Tree

rp-cli -e 'tree'                    # Full tree
rp-cli -e 'tree --folders'          # Folders only
rp-cli -e 'tree --mode selected'    # Selected files only

Code Structure (TOKEN EFFICIENT)

rp-cli -e 'structure src/'          # Signatures for path
rp-cli -e 'structure .'             # Whole project
rp-cli -e 'structure --scope selected'  # Selected files only

Search

rp-cli -e 'search "pattern"'
rp-cli -e 'search "TODO" --extensions .ts,.tsx'
rp-cli -e 'search "error" --context-lines 3'
rp-cli -e 'search "function" --max-results 20'

Read Files

rp-cli -e 'read path/to/file.ts'
rp-cli -e 'read file.ts --start-line 50 --limit 30'  # Slice
rp-cli -e 'read file.ts --start-line -20'            # Last 20 lines

Selection Management

rp-cli -e 'select add src/'         # Add to selection
rp-cli -e 'select set src/ lib/'    # Replace selection
rp-cli -e 'select clear'            # Clear selection
rp-cli -e 'select get'              # View selection

Context Export

rp-cli -e 'context'                 # Full context
rp-cli -e 'context --include prompt,selection,tree'
rp-cli -e 'context --all > output.md'  # Export to file

AI-Powered Builder

rp-cli -e 'builder "understand auth system"'
rp-cli -e 'builder "find API endpoints" --response-type plan'

Chat

rp-cli -e 'chat "How does auth work?"'
rp-cli -e 'chat "Design new feature" --mode plan'

Workspaces

rp-cli -e 'workspace list'          # List workspaces
rp-cli -e 'workspace switch "Name"' # Switch workspace
rp-cli -e 'workspace tabs'          # List tabs

Workflow Shorthand Flags

# Quick operations without -e syntax
rp-cli --workspace MyProject --select-set src/ --export-context ~/out.md
rp-cli --chat "How does auth work?"
rp-cli --builder "implement user authentication"

Script Files (.rp)

Save repeatable workflows:

# export.rp
workspace switch MyProject
select set src/
context --all > output.md

Run with: rp-cli --exec-file ~/scripts/export.rp

Exploration Workflow

Step 1: Get Overview

rp-cli -e 'tree'
rp-cli -e 'structure .'

Step 2: Find Relevant Files

rp-cli -e 'search "auth" --context-lines 2'
rp-cli -e 'builder "understand authentication"'

Step 3: Deep Dive

rp-cli -e 'select set src/auth/'
rp-cli -e 'structure --scope selected'
rp-cli -e 'read src/auth/login.ts'

Step 4: Export Context

rp-cli -e 'context --all > codebase-map.md'

Output

Create codebase-map at: thoughts/handoffs/<session>/codebase-map.md

Notes

• Requires RepoPrompt app with MCP Server enabled
• Use rp-cli -d <cmd> for detailed help on any command
• Token-efficient: structure gives signatures without full content