Skill
Community

swe-feature-update

Install
1
Install the plugin
$
npx claudepluginhub earthmanweb/serena-workflow-engine --plugin serena-workflow-engine

Want just this skill?

Then install: npx claudepluginhub u/[userId]/[slug]

Description

Update a specific feature's memory files to reflect current codebase state

Tool Access

This skill uses the workspace's default tool permissions.

Skill Content

⚠️ WORKFLOW INITIALIZATION

If starting a new session, first read workflow initialization:

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__read_memory("wf/WF_INIT")

Follow WF_INIT instructions before executing this skill.


/swe-update-feature [KEY]

Update a specific feature's memory files to accurately reflect current codebase state.

Usage

/swe-update-feature BLOCKS           # Update BLOCKS feature memories
/swe-update-feature THEME_DISTRICT   # Update THEME_DISTRICT feature memories
/swe-update-feature TESTS            # Update TESTS feature memories

Purpose

Synchronize feature documentation with actual codebase:

  • Update directory listings and file inventories
  • Refresh architecture layers and patterns
  • Update entry points and key files
  • Sync related memories (ARCH__, INDEX__, DOM_*)

Stage 1: Validate Feature

Verify feature exists:

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__read_memory("index/INDEX_FEATURES")

Check: Feature key exists in registered features table.

If not found:

> Feature [KEY] not registered. Use /swe-feature-onboard [KEY] to register it first.

Exit skill with needs_clarification status.


Stage 2: Load Current Feature Memory

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__read_memory("feature/FEATURE_[KEY]")

Extract from current memory:

  • Root path(s)
  • Primary language
  • Framework
  • Type
  • Architecture layers
  • Related memories list

Stage 3: Analyze Current Codebase State

For each root path in the feature:

3.1 Directory Structure

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__list_dir({ relative_path: "[root_path]", depth: 2 })

3.2 Key Files Inventory

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__get_symbols_overview({ relative_path: "[root_path]" })

3.3 Pattern Detection

Use Serena tools to detect:

  • Entry points (main files, index files)
  • Configuration files
  • Test files
  • Template files

Stage 4: Compare and Identify Changes

Compare current state vs. documented state:

AspectCheck For
DirectoriesNew directories, removed directories
Key filesNew files, renamed files, removed files
LayersLayer changes, new components
DependenciesNew internal/external dependencies
Entry pointsChanged entry points

Report changes found:

Changes detected for [KEY]:
- [+] Added: [new items]
- [-] Removed: [removed items]
- [~] Modified: [changed items]

Stage 5: Update Feature Memory

⚠️ SPECIAL CASE: SWE Feature

When updating the SWE feature itself, memories follow a dual-location architecture:

  1. Edit FIRST in the plugin folder: $SWE_PLUGIN_ROOT/memories/
  2. Then sync to local project using /swe-sync

This ensures changes are preserved in the portable plugin and propagated correctly.

DO NOT edit SWE memories directly in .serena/swe/ - they will be overwritten on sync.

5.1 Update FEATURE_[KEY]

mcp__plugin_swe_serena__write_memory("FEATURE_[KEY]", "<updated content>")

Preserve:

  • Feature name and metadata
  • Workflow context sections
  • Related memories list

Update:

  • Directory listings
  • Key files table
  • Architecture layers (if changed)
  • Last updated timestamp

5.2 Update Related Memories (if needed)

Check and update as needed:

  • ARCH_[KEY] - Architecture documentation
  • INDEX_[KEY]_* - File/symbol indexes
  • DOM_[KEY]_* - Domain documentation

Only update if significant changes detected.


Stage 6: Symbol Index (Related Docs)

After updating FEATURE_[KEY] and related memories, regenerate the Related Docs table.

Invoke the /swe-symbol-index skill:

/swe-symbol-index [KEY]

This will:

  1. Read all linked memories listed in FEATURE_[KEY]'s Related Memories section
  2. Extract heading symbols from each via get_symbols_overview
  3. Build/replace the ## Related Docs table after Feature Overview

This ensures the symbol index stays in sync with any memory changes.


Stage 7: Summary Report

Output to user:

## Feature Update Complete: [KEY]

### Changes Applied

- FEATURE_[KEY]: [summary of changes]
-

### Current State

| Property     | Value       |
| ------------ | ----------- |
| Root Path(s) | [paths]     |
| Key Files    | [count]     |
| Last Updated | [timestamp] |

Skill Return

## Skill Return

- **Skill**: swe-feature-update
- **Status**: success
- **Feature Key**: [KEY]
- **Memories Updated**: [list]
- **Changes Summary**: [brief description]
- **Next Step Hint**: WF_START

Exit

> **Skill /swe-feature-update complete** - Feature [KEY] memories updated

Troubleshooting

Feature not found

Feature [KEY] is not registered in INDEX_FEATURES.
Run: /swe-feature-onboard [KEY]

Root path doesn't exist

  • Check if paths have moved
  • Update FEATURE_[KEY] with correct paths
  • Suggest re-onboarding if structure changed significantly

No changes detected

> Feature [KEY] is up to date. No changes needed.

Exit with success status (no changes to make is still success).

Stats
Stars1
Forks0
Last CommitFeb 26, 2026

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