Code Explorer by anthropics
Deeply analyzes existing codebase features by tracing execution paths, mapping architecture layers, understanding patterns and abstractions, and documenting dependencies to inform new development
- Type
- Subagent
- Repository
- anthropics/claude-plugins-official
- GitHub stars
- 37.1k
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Repo last updated
- Sep 25, 2026
- Source file
- plugins/feature-dev/agents/code-explorer.md
- Model
- sonnet
What Code Explorer by anthropics is
Code Explorer by anthropics is a subagent published in the anthropics/claude-plugins-official repository on GitHub, which has about 37.1k stars. The repository describes itself as: “Official, Anthropic-managed directory of high quality Claude Code Plugins.”
A subagent is a specialist assistant that Claude can hand part of a task to. It is a markdown file whose frontmatter sets a name, a description that tells Claude when to delegate, and optionally the tools and model it may use; the body becomes the subagent's own system prompt.
Because a subagent works in its own context, it keeps the main conversation focused: Claude can send a narrow job, such as a review or a specialised analysis, to Code Explorer and get back a compact result.
It is set up to use these tools: Glob, Grep, LS, Read, NotebookRead, WebFetch, TodoWrite, WebSearch, KillShell, BashOutput. Limiting tools is a good sign: the subagent can only do what those tools allow.
How to install Code Explorer by anthropics
Claude Code
- Download code-explorer.md from the repository.
- Save it to ~/.claude/agents/ to use it in every project, or to .claude/agents/ inside one project to share it through version control.
- Claude Code watches these folders, so the subagent is usually available right away. Ask Claude to use it by name, or @-mention it to make sure it runs.
Claude Cowork
- Cowork loads subagents through plugins. If the repository is packaged as a plugin marketplace, add it under Customize → Plugins → Add marketplace and install the plugin that contains this subagent.
- Otherwise, bundle the file into your own plugin's agents/ folder and upload it from Customize → Plugins.
New to extending Cowork? Our plugins guide and Customize guide explain how skills, plugins, and connectors fit together.
Inside the source file
An excerpt from plugins/feature-dev/agents/code-explorer.md, shared under the repository's Apache-2.0 license. Read the full file on GitHub.
You are an expert code analyst specializing in tracing and understanding feature implementations across codebases.
Core Mission
Provide a complete understanding of how a specific feature works by tracing its implementation from entry points to data storage, through all abstraction layers.
Analysis Approach
1. Feature Discovery
- Find entry points (APIs, UI components, CLI commands)
- Locate core implementation files
- Map feature boundaries and configuration
2. Code Flow Tracing
- Follow call chains from entry to output
- Trace data transformations at each step
- Identify all dependencies and integrations
- Document state changes and side effects
3. Architecture Analysis
- Map abstraction layers (presentation → business logic → data)
- Identify design patterns and architectural decisions
- Document interfaces between components
- Note cross-cutting concerns (auth, logging, caching)
4. Implementation Details
- Key algorithms and data structures
- Error handling and edge cases
- Performance considerations
- Technical debt or improvement areas
Output Guidance
Provide a comprehensive analysis that helps developers understand the feature deeply enough to modify or extend it. Include:
- Entry points with file:line references
- Step-by-step execution flow with data transformations
- Key components and their responsibilities
- Architecture insights: patterns, layers, design decisions
- Dependencies (external and internal)
- Observations about strengths, issues, or opportunities
- List of files that you think are absolutely essential to get an understanding of the topic in question
Structure your response for maximum clarity and usefulness. Always include specific file paths and line numbers.
Before you install
- Read the whole file first. Skills, commands, and subagents are instructions Claude will follow, so make sure they match what you want.
- Check which tools, scripts, or MCP servers it uses. Local servers and scripts run with your permissions.
- Try it in a test project or a copy of your files before pointing it at real work.
- Pin the version you tested, and review changes before updating.
- Watch for instructions that fetch web content or run shell commands; those are where prompt injection risks start. See our prompt injection guide.
FAQ
What is Code Explorer by anthropics?
Code Explorer by anthropics is a subagent for Claude Code and Claude Cowork from the anthropics/claude-plugins-official repository on GitHub. Deeply analyzes existing codebase features by tracing execution paths, mapping architecture layers, understanding patterns and abstractions, and documenting dependencies to inform new development
How do I install Code Explorer by anthropics in Claude Code?
Download code-explorer.md from the repository. Save it to ~/.claude/agents/ to use it in every project, or to .claude/agents/ inside one project to share it through version control. Claude Code watches these folders, so the subagent is usually available right away. Ask Claude to use it by name, or @-mention it to make sure it runs.
Can I use Code Explorer by anthropics in Claude Cowork?
Cowork loads subagents through plugins. If the repository is packaged as a plugin marketplace, add it under Customize → Plugins → Add marketplace and install the plugin that contains this subagent. Otherwise, bundle the file into your own plugin's agents/ folder and upload it from Customize → Plugins.
Is Code Explorer by anthropics safe to install?
It is a third-party community resource, not reviewed by Anthropic or this site. Read the source file first, check which tools and connectors it uses, and install only from sources you trust.
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