RP-Explorer is a high-performance, token-efficient codebase exploration skill powered by the RepoPrompt CLI. Designed specifically for brownfield projects, it allows AI agents to navigate large repositories, map code structures, and extract precise context without exhausting token limits. By prioritizing structural signatures over full file content, it optimizes the planning and debugging phases of software development.

When should I use rp-explorer?

rp-explorer is useful in the following scenarios: • Onboarding to complex brownfield projects: Quickly understand the directory structure and core logic of an existing codebase using the 'tree' and 'structure' commands. • Token-efficient architecture mapping: Generate code signatures and maps to visualize how different modules interact without reading every line of code. • Targeted debugging and search: Use context-aware grep and search functions to locate specific error patterns or logic implementations across the entire project. • AI-ready context preparation: Select and export specific code segments and structural metadata to provide the AI with the most relevant information for feature implementation or refactoring.

name	rp-explorer
description	Token-efficient codebase exploration using RepoPrompt - USE FIRST for brownfield projects

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

Command	Aliases	Purpose
`tree`	-	File/folder tree
`structure`	`map`	Code signatures (token-efficient)
`search`	`grep`	Search with context
`read`	`cat`	Read file contents
`select`	`sel`	Manage file selection
`context`	`ctx`	Export workspace context
`builder`	-	AI-powered file selection
`chat`	-	Send to AI chat

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

rp-explorer

When & Why to Use This Skill

Use Cases