# Context Research

> Research and understand unfamiliar codebases using semantic search with `jbcontext search`

- Skill: `jetbrains/context-research` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add jetbrains/context-research`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/jetbrains/context-research/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: jetbrains (https://skillmd.com/u/jetbrains)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/jetbrains/context-research

---


You need to gather all context for task $ARGUMENTS thoroughly.

## When to Use

- Understanding unfamiliar codebases or locating specific functionality
- Finding implementations, definitions, or usage patterns
- Identifying code related to specific features or concepts
- Before making changes to understand the context and impact

## Tools Available

### `jbcontext search`

Semantic code search that finds code by meaning, not just exact keywords.

```bash
jbcontext search "<descriptive query>" [path]
jbcontext search -p <path> "<query>"  # <path> must be relative to the project root
```

**Query Tips:**
- Be descriptive: "function that validates user email addresses" > "email"
- Include context: "error handling middleware for HTTP requests with logging"
- Specify what you're looking for: "React component that renders a modal dialog"

## Research Workflow

1. **Start broad**: Use `jbcontext search` with general terms to understand the landscape
2. **Narrow down**: Add path filters (`-p`) once you identify relevant directories
3. **Read the code**: Once you find relevant files, read them to understand the details

## Example Session

```bash
# Find authentication-related code
jbcontext search "user authentication login"

# Narrow to specific directory
jbcontext search -p src/auth "JWT token validation"
```