---

name: research description: Researches how to use an API, library, or reference architecture. Fallback when the WebSearch tool fails.

Research Skill

1. Purpose

Use this skill to research APIs, libraries, or design patterns before implementation. It produces concise best-practice summaries, alternatives, and tradeoffs.

2. Usage Scenarios

Run before:

• Using a new API or library.
• Designing an unfamiliar feature or architecture.
• Evaluating alternative implementations.

3. Helper Scripts

Script	Purpose	Quick Mode	Deep Mode
scripts/gemini_research.sh	General-purpose quick research.	Default	--deep
scripts/gemini_research.sh	Deep research via Google Gemini.	--flash	Default

Arguments

• Provide the research topic as a natural-language sentence.
• Do not include year numbers; the agent fetches up-to-date data.
• More context ⇒ better results.

4. Examples

Always start with --flash. If the result doesn't work or if important parts are missing, use --deep to get more information.

Quick Search

gemini_research.sh --flash "Which Python HTTP client libraries support caching headers, and with which backends?"

API Research

perplexity_open_router_research.sh "Write a Python best-practice manual for using the Atlassian Confluence API."
gemini_research "Same as above."
perplexity_open_router_researchi.sh --deep "Give a second opinion on the Atlassian API usage. Alternatives and tradeoffs?"

Library Research

perplexity_open_router_research.sh "Best practices for using the os-lib library in Scala."
gemini_research.sh "Manual for using os-lib in Scala."
perplexity_open_router_research.sh --deep "Second opinion on using os-lib in Scala. Alternatives and tradeoffs?"

Implementation Planning

perplexity_open_router_research.sh "How to parse cron expressions in Rust, using stdlib or third-party crates?"
gemini_research.sh "Manual for parsing cron expressions in Rust with the cron crate."
perplexity_open_router_research.sh --deep "Evaluate the cron crate. Alternatives and tradeoffs?"

5. Tool Modes

Option	Description
--flash	Fast, shallow lookup for immediate results.
--deep	Multi-step synthesis with broader exploration.
perplexity_open_router	Breadth-first research across multiple sources.
gemini_research	Depth-first synthesis for comprehensive analysis.

6. Fallbacks and Error Handling

If one agent fails, retry with the alternate tool. Ensure network access and required API keys are configured.

7. Output Format

• Markdown-formatted structured output
• Sections for: Overview, Best Practices, Alternatives, Tradeoffs
• Links to primary references where available

8. Comparison Table

Tool	Scope	Depth	Response Speed
Perplexity	Broad	Medium	Fast
Gemini	Focused	Deep	Moderate

9. Exit Codes

Code	Meaning
0	Success
1	Invalid arguments
2	Network or API failure
3	Unexpected agent response

10. Environment Variables

Variable	Description
OPENROUTER_API_KEY	Required for Perplexity agent.
GOOGLE_API_KEY	Required for Gemini agent.

11. Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Fix
Error: No response from API	Connectivity issue or invalid key	Check internet or credentials
Output incomplete	Timeout or token limit	Retry with --deep
Invalid topic format	Missing sentence structure	Use full sentences