Google Search

Google Programmable Search Engine Skill

This skill enables web search using Google's Programmable Search Engine.

Setup

Requires environment variables:

• GOOGLE_API_KEY - Google API key with Custom Search API enabled
• GOOGLE_CX - Programmable Search Engine ID

Usage

Execute searches with:

node scripts/search.js "search query here"

Common Options

• --num=N - Number of results (1-10)
• --start=N - Starting index for pagination
• --date=PERIOD - Date filter (e.g., w1 for last week, m3 for 3 months)
• --site=DOMAIN - Restrict to specific domain
• --exact=PHRASE - Require exact phrase
• --exclude=TERMS - Exclude terms

See reference.md for full parameter documentation and examples.

Error Handling

• Missing credentials: Remind user to set GOOGLE_API_KEY and GOOGLE_CX
• 401/403 errors: Invalid API key or cx
• 429 errors: Daily quota exceeded (free tier: 100 queries/day)

Missing Credentials Handling

If a search fails due to missing GOOGLE_API_KEY or GOOGLE_CX environment variables:

1. Use AskUserQuestion to ask the user:

   • "Would you like help setting up the Google Search credentials?"
   • Options: "Yes, show setup instructions" / "No, I'll set them up later"

2. If user selects setup help:

   • Guide them through obtaining API key and Search Engine ID
   • Remind them to restart Claude Code after setting environment variables