Claude Code, Plugins, Superpowers and Root Cause Tracing

Oct 22, 2025

Create Memory
A simple flowchart illustrating how to fix a bug that appears deep in the software stack.

The first decision diamond asks: “Bug appears deep in stack?” → If yes, it continues.

The next diamond asks: “Can trace backwards?”

If no – dead end, the flow points to a box labeled “Fix at symptom point.”

If yes, the flow points to “Trace to original trigger.”

Below both paths, a larger box states: “BETTER: Also add defense-in-depth.”

This diagram highlights that while tracing a bug to its root cause is ideal, adding layered defenses is an even better long-term solution.

Simon Willison shared about Claude Code plugins, and then specifically about Superpower, that has some accumulated tricks within.

Naturally, I was attracted to the example that was provided on Root Cause Tracing:

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name: Root Cause Tracing
description: Systematically trace bugs backward through call stack to find original trigger
when_to_use: Bug appears deep in call stack but you need to find where it originates
version: 1.0.0
languages: all

Overview

Bugs often manifest deep in the call stack (git init in wrong directory, file created in wrong location, database opened with wrong path). Your instinct is to fix where the error appears, but that's treating a symptom.

Core principle: Trace backward through the call chain until you find the original trigger, then fix at the source.

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Learn more: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Oct/10/superpowers/#atom-everything

Superpowers on the MoTaverse tool directory: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/software-testing-tools/superpowers

CEO & Founder at Ministry of Testing
She/Her
I've been working in the software testing and quality engineering space since the year 2000 whilst also combining it with my love for education and community building. 🎓 MoT-STEC qualified
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