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

bash

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

bash

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)

bash

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

Search

bash

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

bash

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

bash

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

bash

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

bash

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

Chat

bash

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

Workspaces

bash

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

bash

# 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:

bash

# 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

bash

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

Step 2: Find Relevant Files

bash

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

Step 3: Deep Dive

bash

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

bash

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

Output

Create codebase-map at: .ai/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