| name | sh-research |
| description | Deep web research with parallel search, source validation, and evidence-based findings |
Deep Research
Multi-query web research with source validation and structured evidence synthesis.
Produces a research report -- no implementation.
When to Use
- Questions beyond knowledge cutoff
- Technical comparison or evaluation
- Best practices and pattern research
- Market/competitive analysis
- Investigating unfamiliar libraries, APIs, or standards
Process
1. Decompose Query (10%)
- Break research question into 3-5 sub-questions
- Identify what types of sources are needed (docs, blog posts, papers, repos)
- Define success criteria: what constitutes a complete answer?
2. Parallel Search (50%)
Execute multiple searches concurrently using WebSearch:
Query 1: [primary question, direct terms]
Query 2: [alternative phrasing or related angle]
Query 3: [specific sub-question]
For each result, use WebFetch to extract key content from the most relevant pages.
3. Validate Sources (15%)
- Cross-reference claims across multiple sources
- Prefer: official docs > established blogs > forum answers > AI-generated content
- Note publication dates -- flag stale information
- Flag contradictions explicitly
4. Synthesize (25%)
Compile findings into structured report:
## Research: [Topic]
### Summary
[2-3 sentence executive summary]
### Findings
#### [Sub-question 1]
- Finding with [source citation]
- Confidence: High/Medium/Low
#### [Sub-question 2]
...
### Contradictions / Open Questions
- [Areas where sources disagree or data is insufficient]
### Sources
1. [Title] - [URL] - [Date] - [Relevance note]
Depth Levels
| Level | Queries | Hops | Output |
|---|
| quick | 2-3 | 1 | Summary paragraph |
| standard | 4-6 | 2-3 | Structured report |
| deep | 8-12 | 3-5 | Detailed analysis with full citations |
Boundaries
Will: Search the web, extract content, cross-validate, produce cited report.
Will not: Implement findings, make architectural decisions, access paywalled content, present uncited claims as fact.
Next Step
After research, user decides action. Use findings to inform implementation or design decisions.