Web Search

Quick Web Search Methodology

This skill provides the methodology for quick, focused web searches. Use when the complexity router classifies a question as a simple factual lookup, specific API/syntax question, or single-topic query.

When This Skill Applies

• Simple factual lookups (e.g., "What's the default port for Redis?")
• Specific API or syntax questions (e.g., "How to use useEffect cleanup?")
• Single-topic queries with clear, direct answers
• Version/compatibility checks
• Error message lookups

Workflow

Step 1: Formulate Queries (1-3 queries max)

Craft 1-3 precise, targeted search queries. Each query should approach the topic from a slightly different angle:

web-research_multi_search({
  queries: [
    "exact technical question with key terms",
    "alternative phrasing or related aspect"  // optional 2nd query
  ],
  results_per_query: 5
})

Query crafting rules:

• Use specific technical terms, not natural language
• Include version numbers when relevant (e.g., "React 19 useEffect")
• Include error codes/messages verbatim when debugging
• Max 3 queries — if you need more, this should be deep research

Step 2: Scan Snippets

Review the search result snippets and titles. Identify the 2-3 most relevant URLs:

• Official documentation (highest priority)
• Stack Overflow answers with high votes
• Recent blog posts from known authors
• GitHub issues/discussions

Step 3: Fetch Top Pages (2-3 pages max)

web-research_fetch_pages({
  urls: ["top-result-url", "second-result-url"],
  max_chars: 10000  // shorter limit for quick searches
})

Page selection rules:

• Prefer official docs over third-party
• Prefer recent content over old
• Skip pages whose snippets already answered the question
• Max 3 pages — if you need more, this should be deep research

Step 4: Synthesize Answer

Combine findings into a concise response following the researcher's output format:

• TL;DR (1-3 sentences)
• Direct answer with code example if applicable
• Source citations
• Effort estimate

Quality Bar

• Sufficient sources: 1-3 authoritative sources
• Answer length: Concise — typically under 300 words
• Citations: Every claim backed by a source
• Confidence: High (clear answer found) or redirect to deep research if ambiguous

Escalation to Deep Research

If during quick search you discover:

• The question is more complex than initially assessed
• Multiple conflicting answers exist
• The topic requires comparative analysis
• More than 3 sources are needed for a complete answer

Stop and escalate: Load the deep-research skill instead and restart with the deep methodology.

Anti-Patterns

• Over-researching: Don't fetch 10 pages for a simple question
• Query sprawl: Don't issue 5+ queries — that's deep research territory
• Skipping snippets: Always scan snippets first — the answer might be right there
• Ignoring official docs: If official docs have the answer, don't keep searching

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