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name: library-research description: Research library documentation and API references using Context7 integration. Use when users ask about libraries, frameworks, packages, APIs, or need documentation for third-party code. license: MIT metadata: author: liaison-toolkit version: "1.0" keywords: "library, documentation, api, context7, research"

Library Research

Research and retrieve documentation for libraries, frameworks, and packages using Context7 integration.

When to use this skill

Use this skill when:

• User asks about a library or framework
• You need to research an API or package documentation
• User mentions "How do I use..." for a third-party library
• You need to find official documentation or examples

How It Works

This skill integrates with Context7 to efficiently retrieve library documentation:

1. Library Identification: Parse user query to identify library/package name
2. Resolution: Use Context7 to resolve library name to standard ID
3. Retrieval: Fetch comprehensive documentation for the library
4. Analysis: Extract relevant sections for user's specific question
5. Delivery: Present findings in clear, actionable format

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify Library/Package

Parse the user's question to identify the library:

User: "How do I create a table with React?"
Library: React
Query: table component

2. Resolve Library ID

Use context7_resolve_library_id tool to get the official ID:

context7_resolve_library_id("react")
→ Returns: /facebook/react, /facebook/react/latest

3. Get Documentation

Use context7_get_library_docs to retrieve relevant documentation:

context7_get_library_docs("/facebook/react/latest", mode="code")
→ Returns: API reference, code examples, component guides

4. Extract Relevant Information

From the documentation, find:

• Relevant classes/functions
• Usage examples
• Common patterns
• Edge cases
• Error handling

5. Present to User

Format findings as:

• Brief explanation
• Code example (if applicable)
• Link to official docs
• Related resources

Common Library Research Patterns

Pattern: "How to..." Questions

User: "How do I validate JSON with TypeScript?"
Skill Response:
1. Identify: Zod, TypeScript, or JSON Schema
2. Get docs for selected library
3. Show validation example
4. Explain types and error handling

Pattern: Version-Specific Questions

User: "Does React 18 support X?"
Process:
1. Resolve: /facebook/react/v18
2. Get mode-specific docs
3. Check API changes
4. Provide version notes

Pattern: Comparison Questions

User: "What's the difference between A and B libraries?"
Process:
1. Research both libraries
2. Compare key features
3. Show usage differences
4. Recommend use cases

Tools & Integration

Context7 Tools

context7_resolve_library_id: Resolve library name to standard ID

• Input: Library name string
• Output: Standard library ID and alternatives
• Use when: User mentions library but you need official ID

context7_get_library_docs: Fetch library documentation

• Input: Library ID, mode (code/info)
• Output: Documentation content, examples, references
• Use when: You have library ID and need docs

webfetch: Retrieve external documentation

• Input: Documentation URL
• Output: Page content
• Use when: Need latest docs or examples outside Context7

Safety & Best Practices

• Read-Only: Never modify user code without explicit permission
• Rate Limiting: Respect API limits on Context7 calls
• Verification: Always verify documentation is current
• Attribution: Link to official documentation sources
• Error Handling: Clearly explain if library not found

Examples

Example 1: React Table Implementation

User: "How do I create a sortable table in React?"

Process:
1. Resolve: /facebook/react
2. Get: Component examples, hooks, state management
3. Present: Table component pattern using useState
4. Show: Full working example with sorting logic
5. Link: Official React docs for tables and sorting

Example 2: TypeScript Generics

User: "How do TypeScript generics work?"

Process:
1. Resolve: /microsoft/typescript
2. Get: Generic syntax, constraints, usage
3. Present: Generic function example
4. Explain: Type parameters and inference
5. Show: Common patterns and pitfalls

Example 3: Python Package Query

User: "What does the pandas groupby() method do?"

Process:
1. Resolve: /pandas-dev/pandas
2. Get: groupby documentation and examples
3. Present: Method signature and parameters
4. Show: Practical groupby examples
5. Link: Official pandas groupby guide

Troubleshooting

Library Not Found

If Context7 can't find a library:

1. Try alternative names (npm vs PyPI names differ)
2. Search for official repository
3. Try webfetch with official docs URL
4. Inform user if library is very new/niche

Documentation Gaps

If official docs are incomplete:

1. Check GitHub repository for examples
2. Search for Stack Overflow answers
3. Look for blog posts or tutorials
4. Note limitations to user

Rate Limits

If hitting Context7 rate limits:

1. Cache previous queries
2. Batch multiple questions
3. Use less frequent calls
4. Fall back to webfetch

Best Practices

1. Always Link: Provide links to official documentation
2. Show Examples: Code examples are crucial for libraries
3. Verify Currency: Check documentation is up-to-date
4. Note Versions: Specify which library version you're documenting
5. Warn Changes: Alert users to breaking changes between versions
6. Test Examples: Where possible, verify code examples work

Related Resources

• Context7 Documentation: https://context7.io
• Library Standards: https://opensource.org
• API Documentation Tools: https://swagger.io
• Code Example Best Practices: https://www.oreilly.com

Keywords

library, documentation, API, packages, frameworks, context7, research, code-example, integration