research

Original：🇺🇸 English
Translated
2 scripts

Web research, content extraction, and deep analysis. Multi-source parallel search with extended thinking. Supports Fabric pattern selection (242+ prompts). USE WHEN: "research X", "extract wisdom from", "analyze this content", "find info about".

1installs
Sourcemulticam/qara
Added on

NPX Install

npx skill4agent add multicam/qara research

Tags

Translated version includes tags in frontmatter
research-skillmulti-source-researchcontent-extractionai-agent-workflowsweb-search-tool

SKILL.md Content

View Translation Comparison →

Research Skill

API Keys Required

This skill works best with these optional API keys configured in 
~/.env
:
FeatureAPI KeyGet It From
Perplexity Research
PERPLEXITY_API_KEY
https://perplexity.ai/settings/api
Gemini Research
GOOGLE_API_KEY
https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey
Works without API keys:
  • Claude-based research (uses built-in WebSearch)
  • Basic web fetching (uses built-in WebFetch)

Workflow Routing

Multi-Source Research Workflows

When user requests comprehensive parallel research: Examples: "do research on X", "research this topic", "find information about Y", "investigate this subject" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/conduct.md
→ EXECUTE: Parallel multi-agent research using available researcher agents
When user requests Claude-based research (FREE - no API keys): Examples: "use claude for research", "claude research on X", "use websearch to research Y" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/claude-research.ts
→ EXECUTE: Intelligent query decomposition with Claude's WebSearch
When user requests Perplexity research (requires PERPLEXITY_API_KEY): Examples: "use perplexity to research X", "perplexity research on Y" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/perplexity-research.ts
→ EXECUTE: Fast web search with query decomposition via Perplexity API
When user requests interview preparation: Examples: "prepare interview questions for X", "interview research on Y" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/interview-research.md
→ EXECUTE: Interview prep with diverse question generation

Content Retrieval Workflows

When user indicates difficulty accessing content: Examples: "can't get this content", "site is blocking me", "CAPTCHA blocking" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/retrieve.md
→ EXECUTE: Content retrieval via WebFetch
When user provides YouTube URL: Examples: "get this youtube video", "extract from youtube URL" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/youtube-extraction.md
→ EXECUTE: YouTube content extraction
When user requests web scraping: Examples: "scrape this site", "extract data from this website" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/web-scraping.md
→ EXECUTE: Web scraping techniques and tools

Content Enhancement Workflows

When user requests content enhancement: Examples: "enhance this content", "improve this draft" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/enhance.md
→ EXECUTE: Content improvement and refinement
When user requests knowledge extraction: Examples: "extract knowledge from X", "get insights from this" → READ: 
${PAI_DIR}/skills/research/workflows/extract-knowledge.md
→ EXECUTE: Knowledge extraction and synthesis

Multi-Source Research

Three Research Modes

QUICK RESEARCH MODE:
  • User says "quick research" → Launch 1 agent per researcher type
  • Timeout: 2 minutes
  • Best for: Simple queries, straightforward questions
STANDARD RESEARCH MODE (Default):
  • Default for most research requests → Launch 3 agents per researcher type
  • Timeout: 3 minutes
  • Best for: Most research needs, comprehensive coverage
EXTENSIVE RESEARCH MODE:
  • User says "extensive research" → Launch 8 agents per researcher type
  • Timeout: 10 minutes
  • Best for: Deep-dive research, comprehensive reports

Available Research Agents

Check 
${PAI_DIR}/agents/
for agents with "researcher" in their name:
  • claude-researcher
    - Uses Claude's WebSearch (FREE, no API key needed)
  • perplexity-researcher
    - Uses Perplexity API (requires PERPLEXITY_API_KEY)
  • gemini-researcher
    - Uses Gemini API (requires GOOGLE_API_KEY)

Speed Benefits

  • ❌ Old approach: Sequential searches → 5-10 minutes
  • ✅ Quick mode: 1 agent per type → 2 minute timeout
  • ✅ Standard mode: 3 agents per type → 3 minute timeout
  • ✅ Extensive mode: 8 agents per type → 10 minute timeout

Intelligent Content Retrieval

Three-Layer Escalation System

Layer 1: Built-in Tools (Try First - FREE)
  • WebFetch - Standard web content fetching
  • WebSearch - Search engine queries
  • When to use: Default for all content retrieval
Critical Rules:
  • Always try simplest approach first (Layer 1)
  • Escalate only when previous layer fails
  • Document which layers were used and why

File Organization

Working Directory (Scratchpad)

${PAI_DIR}/scratchpad/YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS_research-[topic]/
├── raw-outputs/
├── synthesis-notes.md
└── draft-report.md

Permanent Storage (History)

${PAI_DIR}/history/research/YYYY-MM/YYYY-MM-DD_[topic]/
├── README.md
├── research-report.md
└── metadata.json

Key Principles

  1. Parallel execution - Launch multiple agents simultaneously
  2. Hard timeouts - Don't wait indefinitely, proceed with partial results
  3. Simplest first - Always try free tools before paid services
  4. Auto-routing - Skill analyzes intent and activates appropriate workflow

WebSearch Tool Usage

Built-in Web Search (FREE)

Claude Code includes a built-in WebSearch tool for real-time web queries.
When to Use:
  • Current events and recent information
  • Documentation and API references
  • Pricing, availability, status checks
  • Fact verification beyond training data
Best Practices:
typescript
// Include year for recent info
WebSearch({ query: "Next.js 15 features 2024" })

// Be specific
WebSearch({ query: "TypeScript 5.4 satisfies operator examples" })

// Use domain filtering for trusted sources
WebSearch({
  query: "React hooks best practices",
  allowed_domains: ["react.dev", "kentcdodds.com"]
})
Query Optimization:
  • Include year: "React Server Components 2024"
  • Be specific: "Bun vs Node.js benchmark comparison"
  • Use domain filters: Focus on official docs or trusted sources
Source Citation: Always cite sources in research output:
markdown
## Sources
- [React Documentation](https://react.dev/...)
- [Official Blog Post](https://...)

WebSearch vs WebFetch

NeedTool
Search for informationWebSearch
Get specific page contentWebFetch
Multiple search resultsWebSearch
Full article extractionWebFetch

Integration with Research Workflows

WebSearch is the foundation of 
claude-researcher
agent:
  1. Query decomposition into sub-queries
  2. Parallel WebSearch calls
  3. Result synthesis
  4. Source attribution

Workflow Files

WorkflowFileAPI Keys Needed
Multi-Source Research
workflows/conduct.md
Varies by agent
Claude Research
workflows/claude-research.md
None (FREE)
Perplexity Research
workflows/perplexity-research.md
PERPLEXITY_API_KEY
Interview Prep
workflows/interview-research.md
None
Content Retrieval
workflows/retrieve.md
None
YouTube Extraction
workflows/youtube-extraction.md
None
Web Scraping
workflows/web-scraping.md
None
Content Enhancement
workflows/enhance.md
None
Knowledge Extraction
workflows/extract-knowledge.md
None