Knowledge Synthesis Workflow

Purpose: Combine knowledge from code, docs, history, and patterns

When to use:

• Onboarding (understand new codebase)
• Documentation (create comprehensive guides)
• Pattern extraction (learn from multiple implementations)
• Architecture review (understand system design)

Token budget: 40-60k tokens (single session)

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Workflow Phases

Phase 1: Gather (15-20% context)
   ↓
Phase 2: Synthesize (10-15% context)
   ↓
Phase 3: Document (5-10% context)

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Phase 1: Gather

Goal: Collect knowledge from multiple sources

Commands:

/research-multi "[topic]"
# Launches 3 agents in parallel:
# - code-explorer: Code structure
# - doc-explorer: Documentation
# - history-explorer: Git history

Output: Combined research from 3 perspectives

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Phase 2: Synthesize

Goal: Connect insights, identify patterns

Activities:

• Cross-reference findings
• Extract common patterns
• Identify best practices
• Note gaps or inconsistencies

Output: Synthesized understanding

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Phase 3: Document

Goal: Capture knowledge for future use

Commands:

/retro --quick [topic]
# Creates pattern documentation
# Updates knowledge base

Output: Documentation + pattern catalog

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Example: Understand Auth System

Read CLAUDE.md
/research-multi "authentication and authorization system"

# Agent 1 (Code):
# - auth/ directory structure
# - JWT validation in middleware
# - Session management in handlers

# Agent 2 (Docs):
# - docs/auth-design.md explains OAuth2 flow
# - examples/auth-example/ shows usage

# Agent 3 (History):
# - Added in commit abc123 (2024-03)
# - Refactored in commit def456 (2024-08)
# - Pattern: Standard OAuth2 + custom claims

# Synthesis:
# Authentication: OAuth2 with JWT
# Authorization: Role-based (admin, user, guest)
# Pattern: Middleware-based validation
# Best practice: Separate auth concerns from business logic

/retro --quick auth-system-knowledge
# Documented for future reference

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Start knowledge synthesis with: Read CLAUDE.md + /research