Use when planning features and need current API docs, library patterns, or external knowledge; when testing hypotheses about technology choices or claims; when verifying assumptions before design decisions - gathers well-sourced, current information from the internet to inform technical decisions
Gather accurate, current, well-sourced information from the internet to inform planning and design decisions. Test hypotheses, verify claims, and find authoritative sources for APIs, libraries, and best practices.
Use for:
Don't use for:
When given a hypothesis to test:
Example:
Hypothesis: "Library X is faster than Y for large datasets"
Search for:
✓ Benchmarks comparing X and Y
✓ Performance documentation for both
✓ GitHub issues mentioning performance
✓ Real-world case studies
Report:
- Supported: [evidence with links]
- Contradicted: [evidence with links]
- Conclusion: [supported/contradicted/mixed] with [confidence level]
| Task | Strategy |
|---|---|
| API docs | Official docs → GitHub README → Recent tutorials |
| Library comparison | Official sites → npm/PyPI stats → GitHub activity |
| Best practices | Official guides → Recent posts → Stack Overflow |
| Troubleshooting | Error search → GitHub issues → Stack Overflow |
| Current state | Release notes → Changelog → Recent announcements |
| Hypothesis testing | Define claims → Search both sides → Weight evidence |
| Tier | Sources | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Most reliable | Official docs, release notes, changelogs | Primary evidence |
| 2 - Generally reliable | Verified tutorials, maintained examples, reputable blogs | Supporting evidence |
| 3 - Use with caution | Stack Overflow, forums, old tutorials | Check dates, cross-verify |
Always note source tier in findings.
Multiple approaches:
Cross-reference:
Lead with answer:
Include metadata:
Handle uncertainty clearly:
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Searching only one source | Cross-reference minimum 2-3 sources |
| Ignoring publication dates | Check dates, flag outdated information |
| Treating all sources equally | Use tier system, weight accordingly |
| Reporting before verification | Verify claims across sources first |
| Vague hypothesis testing | Break into specific falsifiable claims |
| Skipping official docs | Always start with tier 1 sources |
| Over-confident with single source | Note source tier and look for consensus |