parallel

name	parallel
description	Web research using Parallel AI. Quick web search and deep research tasks with citations. Uses native MCP tools.
allowed-tools	mcp__parallel-search(*), mcp__parallel-task(*)

Parallel AI Web Research

Search the web and run deep research tasks via Parallel AI's MCP integration. If MCP tools are not available, tell the user to run /add-parallel on the host to set it up.

How It Works

Parallel AI provides two MCP servers. Look for tools prefixed with mcp__parallel-search and mcp__parallel-task.

Quick Web Search (mcp__parallel-search)

When to use: Freely, for factual lookups, current events, definitions, recent information, or verifying facts.

Speed: Fast (2-5 seconds) Cost: Low Permission: Not needed -- use whenever it helps answer the question

Examples:

• "Who won the 2026 Super Bowl?"
• "What's the current weather in London?"
• "Latest developments in quantum computing"

Deep Research (mcp__parallel-task)

When to use: Comprehensive analysis, learning about complex topics, comparing concepts, historical overviews, or structured research.

Speed: Slower (1-20 minutes depending on depth) Cost: Higher Permission: ALWAYS ask the user first before using this tool

How to ask permission:

I can do deep research on [topic] using Parallel's Task API. This will take a few minutes and provide comprehensive analysis with citations. Should I proceed?

After permission -- DO NOT BLOCK! Use scheduler instead:

1. Create the task using mcp__parallel-task__create_task_run
2. Get the run_id from the response
3. Create a polling scheduled task using mcp__nanoclaw__schedule_task:
   • Prompt: Check the Parallel AI task run [run_id], send results when ready via mcp__nanoclaw__send_message, and mark done with mcp__nanoclaw__complete_scheduled_task. If still running, do nothing (task will retry in 30s). If failed, send error and complete.
   • Schedule: interval every 30 seconds
   • Context mode: isolated
4. Send acknowledgment to the user
5. Exit immediately -- the scheduler handles polling

Choosing Between Them

Use Search when:

• Quick factual lookup or current events
• Simple definition or clarification
• Verifying specific details

Use Deep Research (with permission) when:

• User wants comprehensive analysis
• Question requires comparison or synthesis
• Historical context or evolution of concepts
• User explicitly asks to "research" or "explain in depth"

Default: Prefer search for most questions. Only suggest deep research when genuinely needed.