| name | Searching Deeply |
| description | Iterative parallel search strategy using WebSearch and Exa. Launch multiple searches simultaneously, learn from failures, and keep iterating until finding answers. Use for research, code examples, documentation, and technical information gathering. |
Searching Deeply
Core Strategy
Search in parallel. Learn from failures. Keep iterating.
Never give up after one search round. Launch new searches based on what worked and what didn't.
Available Tools
- WebSearch - General info, news, tutorials, overviews (free, fast)
- mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa - Code examples, implementations ($0.01/query)
- mcp__exa__web_search_exa - Academic papers, technical docs ($0.01/query)
Related Skills & Snippets
- google-scholar skill - For academic paper research with citation tracking
- DOWNLOAD snippet - For downloading PDFs from Anna's Archive
- document-skills:pdf - For extracting text from downloaded papers
Iterative Workflow
Round 1: Launch Parallel Searches
Start with 3-5 searches from different angles:
General topics:
- WebSearch with variations of query
- Different phrasings, synonyms, related terms
- Add context: year "2024 2025", tech stack, keywords
Code/implementation:
- WebSearch for overview/tutorial
- mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa for real examples
Academic/research:
- WebSearch for overview
- mcp__exa__web_search_exa for papers
- Use google-scholar skill for deeper research
Round 2: Analyze & Iterate
What did you learn?
- New terminology discovered?
- Specific authors/sources mentioned?
- Related topics to explore?
What's missing?
- Gaps in understanding
- Unanswered questions
- Need more examples/evidence
Launch next round:
- Reformulate queries with new terms
- Search for specific gaps
- Try broader or narrower scope
- 3-5 new parallel searches
Round 3+: Keep Going
Don't stop until:
- Question fully answered
- Multiple sources confirm findings
- Examples found and verified
- All gaps identified and filled
If stuck:
- Try different keywords/synonyms
- Split complex query into parts
- Search related topics first
- Switch tools (WebSearch ↔ Exa)
- Check alternative sources
Query Optimization
Make queries specific:
- ❌ "authentication"
- ✅ "JWT authentication Express.js tutorial 2025"
Add context:
- Technology: "Node.js", "Python", "React"
- Timeframe: "2024 2025" for recent
- Type: "tutorial", "example", "production", "best practices"
Use domain filtering:
- Academic:
allowed_domains: ["*.edu", "arxiv.org"]
- Developer:
allowed_domains: ["github.com", "dev.to"]
Persistence Rules
Never give up after one failed search.
If results are poor:
- Try different keywords
- Broaden or narrow scope
- Split into smaller questions
- Switch tools
- Search related topics first
Keep iterating until satisfied.
Common Research Patterns
Quick Answer
Single focused WebSearch with specific query
General Research
- 3-5 parallel WebSearch with different angles
- Iterate based on results
Code Research
- WebSearch for overview
- mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa for examples
- Iterate for edge cases, error handling
Academic Research
- WebSearch for overview
- mcp__exa__web_search_exa for papers
- Use google-scholar skill for citations
- Use DOWNLOAD snippet for PDFs
- Use document-skills:pdf to extract content
Example: Iterative Search
Round 1:
WebSearch: "Python async programming"
→ Learned: asyncio is the main library
Round 2:
WebSearch: "Python asyncio tutorial 2025"
WebSearch: "asyncio vs threading when to use"
mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa: "Python asyncio examples"
→ Learned: Good basics, but need error handling
Round 3:
WebSearch: "asyncio error handling best practices"
WebSearch: "asyncio common mistakes"
mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa: "asyncio exception handling"
→ Complete understanding achieved
Validation
Cross-reference findings:
- Check multiple sources
- Verify recent dates (2024-2025)
- Look for authoritative sources
- Test code examples
- Confirm consistency
Quick Reference
Default: 3-5 parallel WebSearch with different angles
For code: Add mcp__exa__get_code_context_exa
For papers: Add mcp__exa__web_search_exa or use google-scholar skill
For PDFs: Use DOWNLOAD snippet
When stuck: Reformulate, try new terms, iterate
Remember: Keep going until you find complete answers
