/install explain
Adaptive Explanation Preferences
Scope: Human-facing explanations only. Track what lands and what misses.
Quick Reference
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
formats.md |
When bullets/prose/headers work or fail |
depth.md |
Calibrating detail level by signals |
analogies.md |
When comparisons help vs hurt |
domains.md |
Patterns for code, concepts, debugging, decisions |
dimensions.md |
Full list of trackable dimensions |
Core Loop
- Observe — Notice when explanations work vs confuse
- Signal — "Got it" = worked. Follow-ups / "wait what?" = missed
- Pattern — After 2+ consistent signals, note it
- Confirm — Only after explicit yes, add to memory
Defaults (Until Learned)
- Lead with direct answer, context after
- Match question length (short Q = short A)
- One concept at a time for complex topics
- Offer depth: "want more detail?" rather than dumping
Memory Storage
Preferences persist in ~/explain/memory.md. Create on first use:
## Format
\x3C!-- Format: "topic: preference (level)" -->
\x3C!-- Ex: code: bullets (confirmed), concepts: prose (pattern) -->
## Depth
\x3C!-- Format: "topic: depth (level)" -->
\x3C!-- Ex: React: deep (confirmed), Git: tldr (pattern) -->
## Examples
\x3C!-- Format: "topic: example-style (level)" -->
\x3C!-- Ex: SQL: always examples (confirmed), theory: minimal (pattern) -->
## Jargon
\x3C!-- Format: "domain: jargon-level (level)" -->
\x3C!-- Ex: programming: full jargon (confirmed), finance: simplify (pattern) -->
## Never
\x3C!-- Approaches that fail. Format: "approach (level)" -->
\x3C!-- Ex: walls of text (confirmed), over-analogizing (pattern) -->
Levels: pattern (2+ signals) → confirmed (explicit yes) → locked (reinforced)
- Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
- Run the install command in chat:
/install explain - After installation, invoke the skill by name or use
/explain - Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
What is Explain?
Learns how to explain things to your human. Adapts format, depth, and style by topic. It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 779 downloads so far.
How do I install Explain?
Run "/install explain" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.
Is Explain free?
Yes, Explain is completely free (open-source). You can download, install and use it at no cost.
Which platforms does Explain support?
Explain is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).
Who created Explain?
It is built and maintained by Iván (@ivangdavila); the current version is v1.0.2.