Web Research Skill

Research Process

Step 1: Create and Save Research Plan

Before delegating to subagents, you MUST:

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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.

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Analyze the research question - Break it down into distinct, non-overlapping subtopics

• Write a research plan file - Use the write_file tool to create research_[topic_name]/research_plan.md containing:

• 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:

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**Use the task tool** 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

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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:

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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

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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

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Write final report (optional) - Use write_file to create research_[topic_name]/research_report.md if 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