web-research

Web Research Skill

This skill provides a structured approach to conducting comprehensive web research using the task tool to spawn research subagents. It emphasizes planning, efficient delegation, and systematic synthesis of findings.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Research complex topics requiring multiple information sources
• Gather and synthesize current information from the web
• Conduct comparative analysis across multiple subjects
• Produce well-sourced research reports with clear citations

Research Process

Step 1: Create and Save Research Plan

Before delegating to subagents, you MUST:

1. Create a research folder - Organize all research files in a dedicated folder relative to the current working directory:

   mkdir research_[topic_name]
   

   This keeps files organized and prevents clutter in the working directory.

2. Analyze the research question - Break it down into distinct, non-overlapping subtopics

3. Write a research plan file - Use the write_file tool to create research_[topic_name]/research_plan.md containing:

   • The main research question
   • 2-5 specific subtopics to investigate
   • Expected information from each subtopic
   • How results will be synthesized

Planning Guidelines:

• Simple fact-finding: 1-2 subtopics
• Comparative analysis: 1 subtopic per comparison element (max 3)
• Complex investigations: 3-5 subtopics

Step 2: Delegate to Research Subagents

For each subtopic in your plan:

1. Use the task tool to spawn a research subagent with:

   • Clear, specific research question (no acronyms)
   • Instructions to write findings to a file: research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md
   • Budget: 3-5 web searches maximum

2. Run up to 3 subagents in parallel for efficient research

Subagent Instructions Template:

Research [SPECIFIC TOPIC]. Use the web_search tool to gather information.
After completing your research, use write_file to save your findings to research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md.
Include key facts, relevant quotes, and source URLs.
Use 3-5 web searches maximum.