# Google Search

> Search the web using Google Programmable Search Engine. Use when you need to search for information online with custom search engine configuration.

- Skill: `y-a-v-a/google-search` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add y-a-v-a/google-search`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/y-a-v-a/google-search/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: MIT
- Author: y-a-v-a (https://skillmd.com/u/y-a-v-a)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/y-a-v-a/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:

```bash
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](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