# Research

> Conduct and document research on a topic. Produces structured research files at the project root.

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

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# Research Skill

Conduct research on a topic and produce a structured document at the project root.

## When to use

Trigger phrases: "research", "look into", "investigate", "find out about", "what is the latest",
"compare X and Y".

## Workflow

### Step 1: Clarify the research question

Before searching, confirm:
- What specific question needs to be answered?
- What would a useful output look like? (comparison table, pros/cons, code examples, etc.)
- Is there a decision to be made at the end, or is this purely exploratory?

### Step 2: Determine the output path

Research files live under `research/` at the **project root** — not inside `.memory/`.

Choose the file location based on scope:

| Scope | Path |
|---|---|
| Project-level topic | `research/<topic>.md` |
| Specific to a feature (project mode) | `research/<feature>/<topic>.md` |
| Specific to a task (workspace mode) | `research/<task>/<topic>.md` |

### Step 3: Conduct research

Use web search, official documentation, and codebase exploration as appropriate.
For comparative research (e.g., library A vs B), investigate both sides before concluding.

### Step 4: Write the research document

```markdown
# {{Topic}}

**Question**: {{The specific question being answered}}
**Date**: {{YYYY-MM-DD}}

## Findings

{{Key findings, organized logically}}

## Options Considered

### Option A: {{Name}}

**Pros**: ...
**Cons**: ...

### Option B: {{Name}}

**Pros**: ...
**Cons**: ...

## Conclusion / Recommendation

{{Clear conclusion. If a decision follows from this, state it.}}

## References

- {{Link or source}}
```

Omit the "Options Considered" section for purely exploratory research with no comparison.

### Step 5: Offer to update memory

After completing research, offer to:
- Append the conclusion to `decisions.md` if a clear decision follows
- Update `spec.md` if the research clarifies scope
- Update `status.md` or `plan.md` if it unblocks a next step