---
title: "skillset explain"
slug: "skillset/reference/cli/explain"
description: The Skillset explain command can explain ownership and provenance for a path.
---
<!-- Generated by `bun run docs:generate`; do not edit directly. -->

<a id="skillset-explain"></a>

> Generated from Skillset's CLI presentation contract. See the [documentation system](https://github.com/outfitter-dev/skillset/blob/24800e02ed4e7150ea1bc7130c35603c98ea9da2/docs/development/documentation-system.md).

Explain ownership and provenance for a path.

## Usage

```text
skillset explain <path> [--activation] [--json] [--scope <scope>] [--root <path>]
```

## Options

| Option | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `--activation` | Inspect bounded provider activation evidence for status or explain. |
| `--json` | Emit exactly one versioned finite JSON result document. |
| `--root <value>` | Select the repository root; defaults to cwd or Git root according to the route. |
| `--scope <value>...` | Select a route-owned source unit or generated destination scope; never changes workspace roots. |