---
name: GSD Forensics
slug: gsd-forensics
category: Quality
description: GSD Forensics investigates what went wrong during a GSD workflow execution by analyzing git history, planning artifacts, and file system state to detect anomalies and generate a structured diagnostic report. Use it after a failed or stuck workflow to determine root cause and take corrective action.
github: "https://github.com/open-gsd/gsd-core/tree/next/skills/gsd-forensics"
language: JavaScript
stars: 8257
forks: 573
install: "npx degit https://github.com/open-gsd/gsd-core/tree/next/skills/gsd-forensics ~/.claude/skills/gsd-forensics"
installs_to: ~/.claude/skills/gsd-forensics
source_path: skills/gsd-forensics/SKILL.md
collection_size: 25
category_size: 1354
collection_url: "https://dirskills.com/collections/open-gsd/gsd-core"
added: 2026-08-15T06:51:03.307Z
last_synced: 2026-08-15T06:51:03.307Z
canonical_url: "https://dirskills.com/skills/gsd-forensics"
---

# GSD Forensics

GSD Forensics investigates what went wrong during a GSD workflow execution by analyzing git history, planning artifacts, and file system state to detect anomalies and generate a structured diagnostic report. Use it after a failed or stuck workflow to determine root cause and take corrective action.

**Install:**

```bash
npx degit https://github.com/open-gsd/gsd-core/tree/next/skills/gsd-forensics ~/.claude/skills/gsd-forensics
```

## README

<objective>
Investigate what went wrong during a GSD workflow execution. Analyzes git history, `.planning/` artifacts, and file system state to detect anomalies and generate a structured diagnostic report.

Purpose: Diagnose failed or stuck workflows so the user can understand root cause and take corrective action.
Output: Forensic report saved to `.planning/forensics/`, presented inline, with optional issue creation.
</objective>

<execution_context>
@~/.claude/gsd-core/workflows/forensics.md
</execution_context>

<context>
**Data sources:**
- `git log` (recent commits, patterns, time gaps)
- `git status` / `git diff` (uncommitted work, conflicts)
- `.planning/STATE.md` (current position, session history)
- `.planning/ROADMAP.md` (phase scope and progress)
- `.planning/phases/*/` (PLAN.md, SUMMARY.md, VERIFICATION.md, CONTEXT.md)
- `.planning/reports/SESSION_REPORT.md` (last session outcomes)

**User input:**
- Problem description: $ARGUMENTS (optional — will ask if not provided)
</context>

<process>
Execute end-to-end.
</process>

<success_criteria>
- Evidence gathered from all available data sources
- At least 4 anomaly types checked (stuck loop, missing artifacts, abandoned work, crash/interruption)
- Structured forensic report written to `.planning/forensics/report-{timestamp}.md`
- Report presented inline with findings, anomalies, and recommendations
- Interactive investigation offered for deeper analysis
- GitHub issue creation offered if actionable findings exist
</success_criteria>

<critical_rules>
- **Read-only investigation:** Do not modify project source files during forensics. Only write the forensic report and update STATE.md session tracking.
- **Redact sensitive data:** Strip absolute paths, API keys, tokens from reports and issues.
- **Ground findings in evidence:** Every anomaly must cite specific commits, files, or state data.
- **No speculation without evidence:** If data is insufficient, say so — do not fabricate root causes.
</critical_rules>