Agent skill · research science · affaan-m
search-first
Research-before-coding workflow. Search for existing tools, libraries, and patterns before writing custom code. Systematizes the "search for existing solutions before implementing" approach. Use when starting new features or adding functionality.
Why this skill is useful
Adds a structured workflow for researching existing solutions, which the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 4k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-06. 238,342 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
/search-first — Research Before You Code Systematizes the "search for existing solutions before implementing" workflow. Trigger Use this skill when: Starting a new feature that likely has existing solutions Adding a dependency or integration The user asks "add X functionality" and you're about to write code Before creating a new utility, helper, or abstraction Scope and Approval Rules Default to read-only research: inspect the repo, package metadata, docs, and public examples before recommending a dependency or integration. Do not install packages, configure MCP servers, publish artifacts, open PRs, or make external write actions from this skill unless the user has explicitly approved that action in the current task. When a candidate requires credentials, paid services, network writes, or project-wide config changes, return a recommendation and approval checkpoint instead of applying it directly. Workflow Decision Matrix Signal Action -------- -------- Exact match, well-maintained, MIT/Apache Adopt — recommend the package and request approval before install or config changes Partial match, good foundation Extend — recommend the package plus a thin wrapper, then wait for approval before applying Multiple weak matches Compose — propose 2-3 small packages and the integration plan before installing anything Nothing suitable found Build — explain why custom code is warranted, then implement only within the approved task scope How to Use Quick Mode (inline) Before writing a utility or adding functionality, mentally run through: 0. Does this already exist in the repo? → Search through relevant modules/tests first 1. Is this a common problem? → Search npm/PyPI 2. Is there an MCP for this? → Check MCP configuration and search 3. Is there a skill for this? → Check available skills 4. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills affaan-m/search-first