| name | synthesize |
| description | Fuse insights from multiple knowledge sources (code, docs, memory, research, web) into coherent understanding. Use when you have scattered information that needs integration. |
| argument-hint | ["topic to synthesize"] |
| user-invocable | true |
| allowed-tools | Read, Glob, Grep, Bash, WebFetch, WebSearch |
Synthesize knowledge on this topic: $ARGUMENTS
Process
1. Source Inventory
Identify relevant knowledge sources across these categories:
| Source Type | Where to Look |
|---|
| Code | Current codebase (Glob/Grep), implementation patterns, tests, comments |
| Documentation | Specs, READMEs, ADRs, API docs in the repo |
| Memory | .claude/ project memory, agent memory, previous learnings |
| External research | WebSearch, Exa for papers, blog posts, community discussion |
| Issue history | bd list, closed issues, decision rationale |
Scan at least 3 source types. Don't rely on a single category.
2. Extract & Classify
For each source, extract:
- Claims — specific assertions about the topic
- Patterns — recurring approaches or structures
- Conflicts — where sources disagree
- Gaps — what no source addresses
3. Integration
Three integration strategies, used as appropriate:
Convergent — Multiple sources agree. High confidence. Extract the common principle.
Divergent — Sources disagree. Analyze why (different contexts? different values? different data?). Don't force resolution — document the conditions under which each view applies.
Complementary — Sources cover different facets. Weave into a complete picture, noting which source contributed which piece.
4. Output
## Synthesis: [Topic]
### Sources Consulted
- [Source type]: [what was found]
### Convergent Findings (high confidence)
- [Finding]: supported by [sources]
### Divergent Findings (context-dependent)
- [Claim A] (applies when [X]) vs. [Claim B] (applies when [Y])
### Gaps
- [What no source addressed]
### Integrated Understanding
[Coherent narrative combining all sources — the actual synthesis]
### Confidence Assessment
[Overall confidence and what would increase it]
### Actionable Next Steps
[What to do with this understanding]
