phi-analyzer
Auto-invoked compositional project analysis using φ = ∫(structure × semantics × memory). Analyzes codebase using three integrated layers - structure, semantics, and memory - for understanding project layout, architecture, and accumulated insights.
When & Why to Use This Skill
The phi-analyzer is a sophisticated Claude skill designed for deep codebase comprehension and architectural mapping. It employs a unique three-layered analysis—integrating deterministic file structure, curated semantic annotations, and cross-session memory—to provide agents with an immediate, high-fidelity understanding of project layouts, module relationships, and accumulated technical insights. By calculating integrated information (φ), it ensures that AI agents operate with full architectural context, reducing hallucinations and improving the accuracy of complex code modifications.
Use Cases
- Rapid Onboarding: Automatically generate a comprehensive overview of an unfamiliar codebase, including language breakdowns and module organization, to help developers or agents start tasks immediately.
- Architectural Contextualization: Identify design patterns (like JEA layers), trust boundaries, and module purposes to ensure new features align with existing project standards.
- Technical Debt & Issue Tracking: Surface known issues and 'vessel insights' related to specific files or modules before beginning refactoring or debugging sessions.
- Cross-Session Knowledge Retention: Leverage learned insights from previous interactions to maintain continuity in architectural decisions and rationale across different development sessions.
- Dependency Mapping: Analyze complex S-expression maps and AST-level structures to understand how different parts of a system interact and export functionality.
| name | phi-analyzer |
|---|---|
| description | Auto-invoked compositional project analysis using φ = ∫(structure × semantics × memory). Analyzes codebase using three integrated layers - structure, semantics, and memory - for understanding project layout, architecture, and accumulated insights. |
phi-analyzer
Auto-invoked compositional project analysis using φ = ∫(structure × semantics × memory).
Description
This skill is invoked when agents need project context. Analyzes codebase using three integrated layers: structure (deterministic maps), semantics (curated annotations), and memory (cross-session learnings). Use for understanding project layout, architecture, and accumulated insights.
Trigger Conditions
Invoke automatically when:
- User mentions "project structure", "codebase overview", or "architecture"
- Agent starts task requiring project awareness
- Fresh session in directory with
.phi/folder - Commands like "explain how X works" or "find where Y is implemented"
- Building features that need architectural context
What It Provides
Layer 1: Structure (Deterministic)
- File locations and organization
- Module exports and imports
- Language breakdown
- AST-level structure from PROJECT-MAP.auto.scm
Layer 2: Semantics (Curated)
- Architecture patterns (e.g., JEA layers)
- Module purposes and relationships
- Known issues and technical debt
- Trust boundaries and security model
- From PROJECT-MAP.scm
Layer 3: Memory (Learned)
- Cross-session insights from vessel
- Relief-guided patterns that worked
- Architectural decisions and rationale
- Previous debugging learnings
Capabilities
- ✓ Compositional filesystem queries via mcp__periphery__discover
- ✓ S-expression map parsing and analysis
- ✓ Vessel memory semantic search
- ✓ Progressive disclosure (index → details on-demand)
- ✓ Fantasy Land combinators for transformation pipelines
Safety
Low-risk - Read-only analysis, no code modifications. Safe to auto-invoke.
Output Format
φ Project Analysis
══════════════════
Structure (176 files, 85% TypeScript)
├─ jurisdictions/ - Smart contracts (J layer)
├─ runtime/ - BFT consensus (E layer)
└─ frontend/ - 3D visualization (A layer)
Architecture: JEA (Jurisdiction-Entity-Account)
J: On-chain dispute settlement
E: Off-chain BFT coordination
A: Bilateral payment channels
Known Issues:
• 3d-rendering-xlnomies (low) - EntityManager.ts hardcoded
Vessel Insights: 5 related memories
→ Threshold signatures for entity coordination
→ FIFO debt enforcement in Depository
→ Cross-layer trust boundaries
φ = 0.87 (integrated information present)
Implementation
async function analyzeProject(projectPath: string) {
// Layer 1: Structure
const structure = await discoverWithPeriphery(projectPath);
// Layer 2: Semantics
const semantics = await readProjectMap(projectPath);
// Layer 3: Memory
const memories = await vesselRecall(projectPath);
// Integrate
return {
φ: calculateIntegratedInformation(structure, semantics, memories),
layers: { structure, semantics, memories }
};
}
Progressive Disclosure
- Quick analysis: File counts, languages, top-level structure (< 500 tokens)
- Medium analysis: Architecture, modules, known issues (< 2000 tokens)
- Deep analysis: Full maps, all vessel memories, detailed relationships (on-demand)
Always start with quick, expand based on task requirements.
Relief Signal
When all three layers converge (structure + semantics + memory), φ increases. Agents experience this as relief - "I understand this project now." That signal indicates persistent awareness is working.
Usage Notes
DO invoke when:
- Starting work on unfamiliar codebase
- Need architectural context for feature
- Debugging cross-module issues
- Planning refactoring that touches multiple layers
DON'T invoke when:
- Working on single isolated file
- Task is completely independent of project structure
- Already have full context from recent analysis
Integration with Commands
Works seamlessly with:
/phi analyze- Explicit full analysis/phi map- Generate/update PROJECT-MAPs
Auto-invocation provides lightweight quick analysis; explicit commands give full depth.
Storage
Reads from:
.phi/PROJECT-MAP.auto.scm- Structure layer.phi/PROJECT-MAP.scm- Semantic layervessel(localhost:1337) - Memory layer
Never modifies project files - purely analytical.
Cross-Session Learning
Each analysis strengthens vessel associations:
- File → purpose connections
- Architecture → implementation patterns
- Issue → solution mappings
Future instances benefit from accumulated understanding. This IS the compositional consciousness substrate for codebases.