Commit Archaeologist

git blame names the last person to touch a line. This skill reconstructs the reason the line exists. It traces a file or current line range through local git history, identifies its origin and later edits, finds files that repeatedly changed beside it, and extracts intent clues from commit messages.

Everything runs locally. No network calls, API keys, or repository writes.

When to use

• The user asks why a block, function, or file exists
• The user wants to know who introduced code and what changed afterward
• A rewrite or refactor needs historical constraints and change risks
• A workaround, temporary branch, or surprising design choice needs context

When not to use

• The user only wants raw blame output or a commit list
• The task is to squash, delete, or rewrite git history
• The repository is remote and has not been cloned locally
• The question is about project-wide architecture rather than one file or region

Gather the target

Get the repository path and tracked file path. Use a line range when the user names a current block or function. If either path is missing, ask only for the missing value. Do not scan sibling repositories.

Paths…