impact-analysis

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Translated

Use before modifying a config's contract (input/output parameters) or removing a config from a branch. Runs reverse-trace to find all callers, categorizes them, and presents a safety gate. Generic — works for any config type (functions, datasources, flows, reports, etc.).

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NPX Install

npx skill4agent add datex/skills impact-analysis

Tags

Translated version includes tags in frontmatter

Impact Analysis

Assess the impact of modifying or removing a configuration on a Datex Studio branch. This skill analyzes dependencies only — it does not make changes.

When to Use

  • Before modifying input/output parameters of any config
  • Before removing a config from a branch
  • When a calling skill (e.g.,
    function-creator
    ,
    datasource-creator
    ) needs to verify that a contract change is safe

Workflow

Step 1: Find callers

bash
dxs source explore reverse-trace <reference_name> --branch <branch_id>
This returns all configs that reference the target. Use
--type <type>
to speed up lookup if the config type is known (e.g.,
--type flow
,
--type datasource
).

Step 2: Interpret results

Categorize referencing configs by type:
  • Flows / Functions — call the target via
    $flows.*
  • Datasources — reference via
    $datasources.*
  • Forms / Grids / Editors — UI components that bind to the target
  • Reports — reference via
    $reports.*

Step 3: Decision gate

  • No callers found — safe to proceed. Inform the calling skill/user.
  • Callers exist — present the full list to the user with:
    • Each caller's reference name and type
    • What would break (e.g., "these 3 flows call fn_sum with 2 args — changing to 3 args will break them")
    • Ask for explicit confirmation before proceeding

Step 4: Return to caller

Report the decision back to the calling skill:
  • Safe — no callers, proceed with changes
  • Approved — callers exist but user approved; the calling skill must update all affected callers as part of the change
  • Rejected — user decided not to proceed

Additional Commands

CommandWhen to use
dxs source explore trace <name> --branch <id>
Understand what the target depends on (forward dependencies)
dxs source explore graph <name> --branch <id>
Visualize the full dependency chain (both directions)

Scope Boundaries

  • This skill analyzes only — it never modifies configs
  • The calling skill is responsible for updating affected callers
  • Reference name changes are not covered — they require delete + recreate and should be flagged to the user as a manual operation