| name | sdd-research |
| description | Pattern investigation and technical research before specification. Use when technical approach is unclear, exploring existing solutions, or analyzing codebase patterns. Supports deep research mode for thorough external investigation. |
SDD Research Skill
Investigate codebase patterns and external solutions to inform specification and planning. Supports two modes: standard (codebase-focused) and deep (comprehensive external investigation).
When to Use
- Technical approach is unclear
- Need to understand existing patterns
- Evaluating solution options
- Before
/specify or /plan commands
- Deep research: New domain, unfamiliar technology, high-stakes architectural decision, or when standard research yields insufficient clarity
Research Modes
Standard Research (default)
Quick internal + surface external analysis. Good for well-understood domains where the codebase already has relevant patterns.
Deep Research
Multi-pass external investigation using web search and documentation fetching. Use when:
- Entering an unfamiliar technology domain
- Comparing multiple complex solutions (e.g. auth providers, database engines, deployment platforms)
- The decision has high cost-of-reversal (architecture, data model, vendor lock-in)
- Standard research leaves too many unknowns
Trigger: User requests deep research explicitly, or the agent detects high uncertainty after Phase 1.
Research Protocol
Phase 1: Codebase Analysis
- Existing patterns — how similar problems are solved
- Reusable components — what can be leveraged
- Conventions — naming, structure, architecture patterns
