Research technical solutions and architectures. Use for technology evaluation, best practices, solution design, and scalability/security/maintainability analysis.
Activate when task requires technology evaluation, best practices research, solution design, or analyzing scalability/security/maintainability. Max 5 tool calls per research session.
| Source | Method | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini | gemini -y -m <model> "prompt" (check ~/.claude/.ck.json for skills.research.useGemini) | Primary |
| WebSearch | Fallback if Gemini disabled/unavailable | Secondary |
| docs-seeker | For GitHub repos and official docs | Deep dive |
Save to Report: path from ## Naming section.
# Research Report: [Topic]
## Executive Summary
## Key Findings
### Technology Overview | Current State | Best Practices
### Security Considerations | Performance Insights
## Comparative Analysis
## Implementation Recommendations
### Quick Start | Code Examples | Common Pitfalls
## Resources & References
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too many tool calls | Strictly respect 5-call limit |
| Outdated sources | Prioritize last 12 months |
| No cross-validation | Verify across 2+ independent sources |
| Missing citations | Always include source links |
| Verbose reports | Sacrifice grammar for concision |
| No actionable output | End with specific next steps |
| Ignoring Gemini toggle | Always check ~/.claude/.ck.json first |
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Verified across multiple sources |
| Currency | Last 12 months preferred |
| Completeness | All requested aspects covered |
| Actionability | Practical recommendations |
| Attribution | All sources cited with links |
# Check Gemini availability
cat ~/.claude/.ck.json 2>/dev/null | python3 -c "
import json, sys
cfg = json.load(sys.stdin)
use = cfg.get('skills',{}).get('research',{}).get('useGemini', True)
model = cfg.get('gemini',{}).get('model','gemini-3-flash-preview')
print(f'useGemini={use} model={model}')
" 2>/dev/null || echo "useGemini=true model=gemini-3-flash-preview"
Principles: YAGNI, KISS, DRY. Be honest, brutal, straight to the point.
scripts/research-report-generator.py - Generate report skeletonscripts/research-source-validator.py - Validate source freshness