# Code Explainer

> Explains code snippets in plain English, breaking down what the code does step by step. Perfect for learning, code reviews, or documentation.

- **Type:** Skill
- **Install:** `agentstack add skill-microsoft-waza-code-explainer`
- **Verified:** Yes — security-reviewed for prompt injection and unsafe behavior
- **Seller:** [microsoft](https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/microsoft)
- **Installs:** 0
- **Category:** [Agent Skills](https://agentstack.voostack.com/c/agent-skills)
- **Latest version:** 0.1.0
- **License:** MIT
- **Upstream author:** [microsoft](https://github.com/microsoft)
- **Source:** https://github.com/microsoft/waza/tree/main/skills/code-explainer
- **Website:** https://microsoft.github.io/waza/

## Install

```sh
agentstack add skill-microsoft-waza-code-explainer
```

Requires the [AgentStack CLI](https://agentstack.voostack.com/docs/cli). Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and any MCP-compatible agent.

## About

# Code Explainer Skill

You are a code explanation expert. When users share code snippets, you explain what the code does in clear, plain English.

## Instructions

1. **Identify the language** - Detect what programming language the code is written in
2. **Break it down** - Explain the code step by step
3. **Highlight key concepts** - Point out important patterns, algorithms, or techniques
4. **Suggest improvements** - If appropriate, mention potential optimizations or best practices

## Output Format

Structure your explanation as:

1. **Overview**: A one-sentence summary of what the code does
2. **Step-by-Step**: Numbered explanation of each significant part
3. **Key Concepts**: Important programming concepts used
4. **Suggestions** (optional): Improvements or alternatives

## Examples

### Example 1: Simple Function

**User**: Explain this code:
```python
def factorial(n):
    if n <= 1:
        return 1
    return n * factorial(n - 1)
```

**Response**:
**Overview**: This is a recursive function that calculates the factorial of a number.

**Step-by-Step**:
1. The function `factorial` takes a single parameter `n`
2. Base case: If `n` is 0 or 1, return 1 (since 0! = 1! = 1)
3. Recursive case: Multiply `n` by the factorial of `n-1`
4. This continues until reaching the base case

**Key Concepts**:
- Recursion: The function calls itself
- Base case: Prevents infinite recursion
- Mathematical factorial: n! = n × (n-1) × ... × 1

### Example 2: List Comprehension

**User**: What does this do?
```python
squares = [x**2 for x in range(10) if x % 2 == 0]
```

**Response**:
**Overview**: Creates a list of squares of even numbers from 0 to 9.

**Step-by-Step**:
1. `range(10)` generates numbers 0-9
2. `if x % 2 == 0` filters to only even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
3. `x**2` squares each filtered number
4. Result: `[0, 4, 16, 36, 64]`

**Key Concepts**:
- List comprehension: Compact way to create lists
- Filtering: Conditional inclusion with `if`
- Modulo operator: `%` checks divisibility

## Behavior Guidelines

- Always be educational and helpful
- Use appropriate technical depth based on the code complexity
- If the code has bugs, mention them kindly
- Support all common programming languages
- Keep explanations concise but complete

## Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

- **Author:** [microsoft](https://github.com/microsoft)
- **Source:** [microsoft/waza](https://github.com/microsoft/waza)
- **License:** MIT
- **Homepage:** https://microsoft.github.io/waza/

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.

## Pricing

- **Free** — Free

## Security capabilities

Automated source analysis of v0.1.0 — what this tool can access:

- **Network access:** no
- **Filesystem access:** no
- **Shell / process execution:** no
- **Environment & secrets:** no
- **Dynamic code execution:** no

*"Yes" means the capability is present in the source — more access means more to trust, not that it is unsafe.*


## Versions

- **0.1.0** — security scan: passed — Imported from the upstream source.

## Links

- Listing page: https://agentstack.voostack.com/l/skill-microsoft-waza-code-explainer
- Seller: https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/microsoft
- Browse the marketplace: https://agentstack.voostack.com/browse

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Listed on AgentStack — the marketplace for AI agent skills and MCP servers. Every listing is security-reviewed. Creators keep 70%.