# Importing A Codebase (agent skill)

> Importing A Codebase is an agent skill (a SKILL.md file) from JetBrains/thinkrail. Agents load it when asked to create the initial spec graph for an existing codebase that has source code but no specs. It works with Claude Code and has 512 GitHub stars.

Use when asked to create the initial spec graph for an existing codebase that has source code but no specs. Normally reached via setting-up-a-project. The workspace holds real code but no specs. Reverse-engineer the spec graph the project should have had. When the repo already carries real spec-like documents, build the graph around them, not parallel to them. Do as much as possible yourself, from the files; ask the user only where the code genuinely can't tell you and the answer changes a spec.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | https://github.com/JetBrains/thinkrail |
| Skill path | packages/pi-thinkrail-workflow/skills/importing-a-codebase/SKILL.md |
| Skill name | importing-a-codebase |
| GitHub stars | 512 |
| Installs on skills.sh | not listed |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Skills in repo | 1 |
| Plugin marketplace | no |
| Official | yes |
| Works with | Claude Code |
| Category | Coding |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 |

## When it triggers

- Use when asked to create the initial spec graph for an existing codebase that has source code but no specs.

## Add this skill

### Claude Code

```sh
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/JetBrains/thinkrail.git
cp -r thinkrail/packages/pi-thinkrail-workflow/skills/importing-a-codebase ~/.claude/skills/importing-a-codebase   # personal, or .claude/skills in a project
```

In the Claude apps, zip the skill folder and upload it under Customize > Skills > + > Upload a skill (code execution must be on).

### ChatGPT / Codex

```sh
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/JetBrains/thinkrail.git
cp -r thinkrail/packages/pi-thinkrail-workflow/skills/importing-a-codebase .agents/skills/importing-a-codebase   # repo; ~/.agents/skills for all projects
```

### Cursor

```sh
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/JetBrains/thinkrail.git
cp -r thinkrail/packages/pi-thinkrail-workflow/skills/importing-a-codebase .cursor/skills/importing-a-codebase   # project; ~/.cursor/skills for all projects
```

Sources (checked 2026-10-07): https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills, https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12512180-using-skills-in-claude, https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/build-skills, https://cursor.com/docs/context/skills

---

Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/skills/jetbrains-importing-a-codebase
Source: appsgit (https://appsgit.com), the app store for github. Data from the GitHub API, refreshed nightly.
Machine access: JSON API https://appsgit.com/api/v1/apps (OpenAPI: https://appsgit.com/openapi.json), MCP server https://mcp.appsgit.com/mcp, full index https://appsgit.com/llms-full.txt.