# Compare Options > Compare multiple approaches, libraries, or patterns. Searches codebase for existing usage, checks memory for past experiences, creates comparison matrix. Use when deciding between approaches before implementation. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/compare-options` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/compare-options` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/compare-options/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/compare-options --- # Compare Options Compares options with codebase usage and memory context. ## Inputs | Input | Type | Default | Purpose | |-------|------|---------|---------| | `question` | string | required | Decision to make (e.g., "Which caching solution?") | | `options` | string | required | Comma-separated options (e.g., "Redis, Memcached, Django cache") | | `criteria` | string | - | Comma-separated criteria (default: complexity, performance, maintainability, existing usage) | | `project` | string | auto | Project context | ## Workflow ### 1. Parse Inputs - Split options into list - Split criteria or use defaults: complexity, performance, maintainability, existing usage ### 2. Detect Project - Infer from cwd; default `automation-analytics-backend` ### 3. Search Each Option in Codebase - For each option (up to 3): `code_search(query=option, project=project, limit=5)` - Count occurrences, collect file paths ### 4. Check Memory - `memory_read("learned/patterns")` — past experiences with these options ### 5. Analyze Results - Per option: usage_count, usage_files, in_codebase (yes/no) ### 6. Build Comparison Output markdown with: - **Options Overview**: table (Option | In Codebase | Usage Count | Files) - **Detailed Analysis**: per option, pros/cons placeholders - **Evaluation Matrix**: criteria × options (1–5 ratings) - **Recommendation**: placeholder for recommended option and rationale - **Next Steps**: WebSearch for pros/cons, explain_code for existing usage, plan_implementation ### 7. Log - `memory_session_log("Compared options: {options}", "Question: {question}")` ## Key MCP Tools - `code_search` — existing usage per option - `memory_read` — learned patterns - `memory_session_log` — session logging - `WebSearch` — external pros/cons (optional) --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/dmzoneill) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.