# Research

> Deep-read a codebase area and write findings to research.md. Use for thorough investigation before planning. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/research-7` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/research-7`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/research-7/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/research-7

---


# Research Skill

Deeply investigate a specified area of the codebase and produce a detailed research document.

## Usage

```text
/research <target folder, module, or system to investigate>
```

## Workflow

1. **Deep-read** the target area thoroughly — read every file, understand every function, trace every flow
2. **Write findings** to `research.md` in the current working directory

## Research Document Structure

Write `research.md` with the following sections:

1. **Overview** — What this system/module does at a high level
2. **Architecture** — How components are organized, key files and their roles
3. **Data Flow** — How data moves through the system, key interfaces
4. **Key Implementation Details** — Important patterns, conventions, edge cases
5. **Dependencies** — External libraries, internal modules this depends on
6. **Potential Issues / Observations** — Anything noteworthy, inconsistencies, or risks

## Critical Rules

- **Do NOT implement anything.** This phase is research only.
- **Do NOT skim.** Read files deeply. Understand function bodies, not just signatures.
- Trace call chains end-to-end. Follow imports. Read tests if they exist.
- Write the research document in clear, structured markdown with code references (file:line).
- If the ARGUMENTS specify a bug hunt, keep researching until all bugs are found.

## Output

Always write findings to `research.md`. Never just summarize verbally in chat.
After writing, give a brief summary of key findings to the user.

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-15 -->