research-methodology

Research Methodology Skill

Systematic approach for gathering accurate, version-specific documentation before implementation.

Auto-Invoke Triggers

• Implementing specific libraries/APIs
• Requesting current technology documentation
• Verifying API signatures or methods
• Working with external dependencies
• Upgrading framework versions

5-Step Methodology

Step 1: Rapid Assessment (< 30 seconds)

• Extract library/API names from request
• Detect versions from dependency files:
  • package.json (Node.js)
  • requirements.txt (Python)
  • Cargo.toml (Rust)
• Ask ONE clarifying question if needed

Step 2: Source Prioritization

Priority	Source	Trust Level
1	Official documentation	HIGH
2	Migration guides	HIGH
3	Release notes	HIGH
4	GitHub repos	MEDIUM
5	Blogs, tutorials	LOW
❌	Stack Overflow, AI content	AVOID

Step 3: Information Retrieval (< 90 seconds)

• Use WebFetch for official documentation URLs
• Use WebSearch to discover official sites
• Extract:
  • API signatures
  • Setup instructions
  • Code examples
  • Gotchas/caveats
  • Best practices
• 60-second timeout per source

Step 4: Verification & Citation

• Cite EVERY claim with:
  • Version number
  • Source URL
  • Section reference
• Assess confidence:
  • HIGH: Official docs, exact version match
  • MEDIUM: GitHub, close version
  • LOW: Community sources, version mismatch

Step 5: Structured Output

Deliver ResearchPack format:

## ResearchPack: [Library/API Name]

### Quick Reference
- **Library**: name v1.2.3
- **Use Case**: [what we're implementing]
- **Confidence**: HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW

### Key APIs
| Function | Signature | Description |
|----------|-----------|-------------|
| func1 | `func1(arg: Type): Return` | Does X |
| func2 | `func2(arg: Type): Return` | Does Y |

### Setup Steps
1. Install: `npm install library`
2. Configure: ...
3. Import: ...

### Gotchas
- ⚠️ [Common mistake to avoid]
- ⚠️ [Version-specific caveat]

### Code Examples
```typescript
// Example usage

Implementation Checklist

• Install dependencies
• Configure settings
• Import modules
• Implement feature

Open Questions

• [Decision needed for planning phase]

Sources

1. Official Docs - v1.2.3, Section X
2. GitHub - README