| name | web-research |
| description | Use this skill for requests that require web research, source gathering, competitive scans, or up-to-date external info. This skill provides a structured plan → delegate → synthesize workflow with citations. |
Web Research Skill
Goal
Conduct comprehensive web research with a clear plan, delegated subtopics, and a concise synthesis with sources.
Workflow
1) Plan first
- Create a short research plan with 2-5 non-overlapping subtopics.
- Use
write_todos to track progress.
- Save a plan file at
research_[topic_name]/research_plan.md using write_file (the file tool can create the folder if needed).
Plan template:
# Research Plan: <topic>
Main question:
- <question>
Subtopics:
1) <subtopic>
2) <subtopic>
3) <subtopic>
Expected outputs:
- <what you need to answer>
2) Delegate to subagents
Use the task tool to spawn 2-3 subagents in parallel. Each subagent:
- Runs 3-5
internet_search queries max
- Saves findings to
research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md via write_file
- Includes key facts, quotes (short), and source URLs
Subagent prompt template:
Research: <specific subtopic>. Use internet_search only.
Save findings to research_<topic>/findings_<subtopic>.md.
Include: key facts, short quotes, source URLs, and any gaps.
Limit to 3-5 searches.
3) Synthesize
- Use
ls and read_file to review findings files.
- Produce a concise response with:
- Direct answer to the main question
- Integrated insights from all subtopics
- Citations (URLs) for key claims
- Gaps/uncertainties if any
Best Practices
- Prefer recent sources and primary documentation.
- Avoid over-researching; stop when you can answer confidently.
- Highlight conflicts between sources.
