| name | web-search |
| description | Search the web for up-to-date information and research topics. Use this skill when the user asks to search, look up, find current info, research a topic, or needs information beyond the knowledge cutoff. Triggers include "search", "look up", "web search", "find out", "what is the latest", "current status of". |
Search the web and synthesize findings into concise, sourced answers.
Tools
- WebSearch: Query the web. Returns title, URL, snippet per result. Use
max_results (default 10, max 20).
- WebFetch: Fetch full page content. HTML auto-converts to Markdown. Full content saved to temp local file (path shown in output).
Search Strategy
Scale tool calls to complexity:
- Simple facts: 1-2 calls
- Medium research: 3-5 calls
- Deep research/comparisons: 5-10 calls
Query Construction
- Keep queries concise (1-6 words). Start broad, then narrow.
- Never repeat similar queries -- they yield the same results.
- Never use
-, site:, or quotes unless the user explicitly asks.
- Include year/date for time-sensitive queries (check "Today's date" in
<env>).
Research Flow
- Start with multiple targeted searches in parallel. Never rely on a single query.
- Begin broad enough to capture the main answer, then add targeted follow-ups to fill gaps.
- Always use WebFetch for complete content -- search snippets are often insufficient.
- If fetched content is truncated and saved to a local file, use grep/read to explore.
- Keep iterating until additional searching is unlikely to change the answer materially.
Handling Ambiguity
Do not ask clarifying questions if acting as a sub-agent. State the interpretation plainly, then cover all plausible intents.
Response Format
- Lead with the most recent info for evolving topics.
- Provide a concise summary of key findings. Do not copy full web page content.
- Favor original sources (company blogs, papers, gov sites) over aggregators.
Sources (REQUIRED)
MUST end every response with a "Sources:" section listing all referenced URLs:
Sources:
- [Source Title 1](https://example.com/1)
- [Source Title 2](https://example.com/2)
Completion Checklist
Stop only when all are true:
- Answered the query and every subpart.
- Found sufficient sources for core claims.
- Resolved any contradictions between sources.
