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Explain This Project

v0.3.0
peterbenoit.explain-this-project

Scans your project, analyzes its structure, and generates a comprehensive PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md file in seconds. Includes git history insights like churn hotspots and contributor activity. Core analysis runs locally and keeps source code on your machine.

  • ▸Detects languages, frameworks, entry points, and directory structure
  • ▸Adds git activity insights for churn hotspots, bug clusters, and top contributors
  • ▸Supports JS/TS, Python, Rust, Go, PHP, Java, C#, and more
  • ▸Optional AI summary via Copilot or OpenAI. Static analysis remains local

Install

1. Open Extensions (Cmd+Shift+X)
2. Search "Explain This Project"
3. Click Install

Run it

Cmd+Shift+P → "Explain This Project"
Learn more → Marketplace GitHub 21 installs

More extensions coming

Ideas in the works. Follow @peterbenoit for updates

How Explain This Project Works

Smart Analysis

Reads your project's manifest files (package.json, Cargo.toml, go.mod, and more) to identify the full picture. Frameworks, dependencies, entry points, and directory structure.

Clean Output

Writes a well-structured PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md at the project root. Organized sections include project basics, frameworks, entry points, and git activity when available.

Works Offline

Core analysis runs locally inside VS Code with no source upload. If you enable AI summaries, only the generated overview text is sent to the selected provider.

Multi-Language

JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Rust, Go, PHP, Java, C#, C++ and more. Framework detection for React, Vue, Express, Django, Flask, Laravel, Symfony, and others.

Example Output

Run the command in any open folder and you'll get a PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md like this: 

# Project Overview

## AI Summary

A TypeScript web application with clear service boundaries and active development

---

## Basic Information

**Name:** my-react-app
**Type:** Application (Build-enabled)
**Primary Language:** TypeScript

## Git Activity (Last 12 Months)

**Churn Hotspots** (files that change most):
- src/api/users.ts (47 changes)
- src/components/Dashboard.tsx (32 changes)

**Top Contributors:**
- Sarah Johnson (143 commits)
- Mike Chen (98 commits)

## Frameworks & Libraries

- React
- Express

## Entry Points

- `src/index.ts`
- `src/server.ts`

## Dependencies

- react, react-dom, express

---
*Generated by Explain This Project extension*

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