Parallelize Codebase Exploration With Subagents

The decision behind the technique

Independent exploration can shorten the slowest part of a large task. It works when agents read overlapping context sparingly and return compatible findings.

Split by evidence domain, not arbitrary file count.

A practical step-by-step workflow

Use this sequence as a default, then tighten or expand it only when the evidence changes.

• Assign entry points and call chains to one agent
• Assign tests and failure evidence to another
• Assign data and integration risks to a specialist
• Have one owner reconcile conflicts before edits

Failure boundary and finish line

Do not let exploratory agents edit the same files they are auditing.

Finish when the next action, owner, evidence and stop condition are all explicit.