Web Research Skill
Research Process
Step 1: Create and Save Research Plan
Before delegating to subagents, you MUST:
- Create a research folder - Organize all research files in a dedicated folder relative to the current working directory:
mkdir research_[topic_name]This keeps files organized and prevents clutter in the working directory. - Analyze the research question - Break it down into distinct, non-overlapping subtopics
- Write a research plan file - Use the
write_filetool to createresearch_[topic_name]/research_plan.mdcontaining:
- The main research question - 2-5 specific subtopics to investigate - Expected information from each subtopic - How results will be synthesized
Planning Guidelines:
- Simple fact-finding: 1-2 subtopics
- Comparative analysis: 1 subtopic per comparison element (max 3)
- Complex investigations: 3-5 subtopics
Step 2: Delegate to Research Subagents
For each subtopic in your plan:
- Use the
tasktool to spawn a research subagent with:
- Clear, specific research question (no acronyms) - Instructions to write findings to a file: research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md - Budget: 3-5 web searches maximum
- Run up to 3 subagents in parallel for efficient research
Subagent Instructions Template:
Research [SPECIFIC TOPIC]. Use the web_search tool to gather information.
After completing your research, use write_file to save your findings to research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md.
Include key facts, relevant quotes, and source URLs.
Use 3-5 web searches maximum.Step 3: Synthesize Findings
After all subagents complete:
- Review the findings files that were saved locally:
- First run list_files research_[topic_name] to see what files were created - Then use read_file with the file paths (e.g., research_[topic_name]/findings_*.md) - Important: Use read_file for LOCAL files only, not URLs
- Synthesize the information - Create a comprehensive response that:
- Directly answers the original question - Integrates insights from all subtopics - Cites specific sources with URLs (from the findings files) - Identifies any gaps or limitations
- Write final report (optional) - Use
write_fileto createresearch_[topic_name]/research_report.mdif requested
Note: If you need to fetch additional information from URLs, use the fetch_url tool, not read_file.
Best Practices
- Plan before delegating - Always write research_plan.md first
- Clear subtopics - Ensure each subagent has distinct, non-overlapping scope
- File-based communication - Have subagents save findings to files, not return them directly
- Systematic synthesis - Read all findings files before creating final response
- Stop appropriately - Don't over-research; 3-5 searches per subtopic is usually sufficient