Explain code (prompt)

curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/raw' -o ~/'.claude/skills/explain-code-prompt/SKILL.md' && curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/files/LICENSE.txt' -o ~/'.claude/skills/explain-code-prompt/LICENSE.txt'

curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/raw' -o '.cursor/skills/explain-code-prompt/SKILL.md' && curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/files/LICENSE.txt' -o '.cursor/skills/explain-code-prompt/LICENSE.txt'

curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/raw' -o '.agents/skills/explain-code-prompt/SKILL.md' && curl -fsSL --create-dirs 'https://theskillvault.ai/api/skills/explain-code-prompt/files/LICENSE.txt' -o '.agents/skills/explain-code-prompt/LICENSE.txt'

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "theskillvault": {
      "url": "https://theskillvault.ai/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Paste code, a config file or a tool's output and get a plain-English explanation pitched at your level.

When to use

• You found code online or in a project and do not know what it does.
• You inherited a codebase or a config file nobody documented.
• A security scanner or build tool printed output you cannot read.

Steps

1. Copy the code, config or output. Keep it to one file or function if you can.
2. Fill in {{LEVEL}} (for example "new to coding" or "experienced, new to Rust") and an optional {{QUESTION}}.
3. Paste it into the prompt below.
4. Ask follow-ups on any part that is still unclear.

Prompt

Explain the content below for a reader who is {{LEVEL}}.

First, say what kind of content it is (code, configuration, or tool output) in one line.

- If it is code: give a one-sentence summary of what it does, then walk through how it works step by step, naming the key functions and data.
- If it is configuration: explain what each important setting does and what would change if it were different.
- If it is tool or security output: explain what it means and what, if anything, needs action.

Then add:
- Risks: bugs, security issues or surprising behaviour you notice, each in one line. Say "none spotted" if none.
- Answer: if I asked a question, answer it directly.

Keep it plain. Define any jargon the first time you use it. Do not rewrite the code unless I ask.

QUESTION (optional): {{QUESTION}}

CONTENT:
{{CODE, CONFIG OR OUTPUT}}

How to adapt

• Teaching someone? Add "end with three questions to check understanding".
• Long file? Ask for "a map of the file first, then explain only the part I choose".

Gotchas

• Remove API keys, passwords and private data before pasting code or config into an AI tool.
• An explanation can sound confident and still be wrong. Run the code or check the docs for anything important.

Portability

Works with any language and any chat AI or coding agent. No tool lock-in.

Done when

• You can say in one sentence what the code does.
• Your question is answered and any risks are listed.

Example prompt

"Explain this bash script for someone new to coding, and tell me if it is safe to run."

---

Converted from the "explain_code" pattern in danielmiessler/Fabric (MIT, Copyright (c) 2012-2024 Scott Chacon and others). See LICENSE.txt.

Bundled files

• LICENSE.txt

Licence

Adapted from Daniel Miessler and Fabric contributors (explain_code pattern) (Copyright (c) 2012-2024 Scott Chacon and others), MIT License. Converted by TheSkillVault into a fill-in prompt: added a reader-level input, a step-by-step flow section, a risks section, steps, safety and done-when sections.

Licence: MIT License. Attribution when you reuse it: Based on work by Daniel Miessler and Fabric contributors (explain_code pattern) (Copyright (c) 2012-2024 Scott Chacon and others, MIT License), https://github.com/danielmiessler/Fabric/blob/8ce0909d8622a61b6aaf539d467ba31bb7e0b6dd/data/patterns/explain_code/system.md; adapted by TheSkillVault, https://theskillvault.ai