/phx-help

name: phx-help
description: Use when the user asks which phx-* command fits a task (review, plan,
  debug, test) or how two commands differ. Checks plans and git state, then recommends
  from the routing table. Not for bare /help, a tour, or ambiguous requests (intent-detection).

Plugin Help — Interactive Command Advisor

Helps users find the right command, skill, or agent for their situation.

Usage

phx-help                          # Analyze context, suggest commands
phx-help how do I debug this?     # Route to phx-investigate
phx-help add a new feature        # Route to phx-plan -> phx-work

Arguments

• `$ARGUMENTS` — optional description of what the user wants to do
• Empty = analyze current context (git status, existing plans, file patterns)

Execution Flow

Step 1: Gather Context

If `$ARGUMENTS` is non-empty, use it as primary signal.

Always gather ambient context (run in parallel):

1. Check for existing plans: use Glob on `.claude/plans/*/plan.md` — active work in progress? 2. Check git status: uncommitted changes? which files? 3. Check for solution docs: use Glob on `.claude/solutions/**/*.md` — prior knowledge?

Step 2: Classify Intent

Read `references/tool-catalog.md` for the full routing table.

Map the user's situation to one of these categories:

| Category | Signals | Primary Commands | |----------|---------|-----------------| | **Starting out** | No plans, new to plugin | `phx-intro` | | **Ideation** | "explore", "brainstorm", "not sure", "how to approach", "vague idea" | `phx-brainstorm` | | **New feature** | "add", "build", "implement", multi-file | `phx-plan` → `phx-work` | | **Quick change** | Single file, <50 lines, "fix typo" | `phx-quick` | | **Bug** | Error, stack trace, "broken", "failing" | `phx-investigate` | | **Review** | "check", "review", PR ready | `phx-review` | | **Performance** | "slow", "N+1", "memory" | `phx-perf`, `ecto-n1-check`, `lv-assigns` | | **Research** | "how to", "best practice", "evaluate lib" | `phx-research` | | **Resume work** | Existing plan with unchecked tasks | `phx-work --continue` | | **Post-fix** | "that worked", solved a hard bug | `phx-compound` | | **Full cycle** | Large feature, new domain area | `phx-full` | | **Project health** | "audit", "tech debt", "overall quality" | `phx-audit`, `phx-techdebt` | | **Dep update audit** | "audit deps", "supply chain", "post-`mix deps.update`", "review mix.lock PR" | `phx-deps-audit` | | **Manual dep vetting** | "vet this package", "approve dep", "trust ledger", "after phx-deps-audit findings" | `phx-deps-vet` | | **Deployment** | "deploy", "release", "production" | `phx-verify` then deploy skill | | **Permissions** | "too many prompts", "allow", "permission fatigue" | `phx-permissions` | | **Returning after time off** | "what did I miss", "back from vacation", "catch up", "what changed while I was out" | `/catchup` (companion plugin, separate install) |

Step 3: Respond or Clarify

**If high confidence** (clear match to one category): Present the recommendation with:

• The command to run (with exact syntax)
• One-line explanation of what it does
• What artifacts it creates (if any)
• Suggested next step after it completes

**If medium confidence** (2-3 possible matches): Use `AskUserQuestion` with the top options, each with a one-line explanation.

**If low confidence** (vague or no signal): Ask ONE focused clarifying question. Examples:

• "Are you starting something new or continuing existing work?"
• "Is this a bug fix or a new feature?"
• "How many files do you expect to change?"

Then recommend based on the answer.

Step 4: Offer Follow-up

After recommending, always add:

• "Run `phx-help` anytime to get routing advice"
• If they seem new: "Try `phx-intro` for a full plugin walkthrough"

Iron Laws

1. **ONE recommendation** — don't dump the full catalog, pick the best match 2. **MAX ONE clarifying question** — don't interrogate, make your best guess 3. **Show exact syntax** — `phx-plan Add user notifications` not just "use the plan command" 4. **Context over keywords** — existing plans + git state matter more than word matching 5. **NEVER block** — if user already knows what they want, DO NOT redirect

Integration

• Complements `intent-detection` (auto-trigger) with explicit invocation
• References same routing logic but adds interactive clarification
• Can recommend `phx-intro` for onboarding