# Cite Sources

> Track, validate, and cite external sources with working URLs

- Skill: `synapseradio/cite-sources-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add synapseradio/cite-sources-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/synapseradio/cite-sources-2/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: synapseradio (https://skillmd.com/u/synapseradio)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/synapseradio/cite-sources-2

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Follow these steps:

### 1. Identify what needs citation

Target: recent statements that reference external information. Citations are for information retrieved this task via external tools (web search, docs, API lookup) — not training data, which is base knowledge and never cited.

### 2. Track sources as you work

For each source consulted, note:

- The URL actually visited
- What specific information came from it
- Which claims depend on it

### 3. Validate every URL before citing

Confirm each URL resolves (use WebFetch). A source that 404s or times out is not a real source.

### 4. Match citation format to context

- **Formal work**: structured citations (APA, MLA)
- **Technical discussion**: simple references with working URLs
- **Quick response**: inline links with clear attribution

### 5. Separate source material from synthesis

Mark what came from sources ("According to…", "The documentation states…") versus your own analysis ("This suggests…", "Based on this, I conclude…").

### 6. Present citations where readers can find them

Group citations in a dedicated section or place them inline. Make URLs clickable and obvious. Include enough context to verify the interpretation.