Web Research Skill

task

When to Use This Skill

• 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

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

• 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

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

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.

Step 3: Synthesize Findings

1. Review the findings files that were saved locally:
   • First run

     list_files research_[topic_name]

     to see what files were created
   • Then use

     read_file

     with the file paths (e.g.,

     research_[topic_name]/findings_*.md

     )
   • Important: Use

     read_file

     for LOCAL files only, not URLs
2. Synthesize the information - Create a comprehensive response that:
   • Directly answers the original question
   • Integrates insights from all subtopics
   • Cites specific sources with URLs (from the findings files)
   • Identifies any gaps or limitations
3. Write final report (optional) - Use

   write_file

   to create

   research_[topic_name]/research_report.md

   if requested

fetch_url

read_file

Available Tools

• write_file: Save research plans and findings to local files
• read_file: Read local files (e.g., findings saved by subagents)
• list_files: See what local files exist in a directory
• fetch_url: Fetch content from URLs and convert to markdown (use this for web pages, not read_file)
• task: Spawn research subagents with web_search access

Research Subagent Configuration

• web_search: Search the web using Tavily (parameters: query, max_results, topic, include_raw_content)
• write_file: Save their findings to the filesystem

Best Practices

• Plan before delegating - Always write research_plan.md first
• Clear subtopics - Ensure each subagent has distinct, non-overlapping scope
• File-based communication - Have subagents save findings to files, not return them directly
• Systematic synthesis - Read all findings files before creating final response
• Stop appropriately - Don't over-research; 3-5 searches per subtopic is usually sufficient