Agent skill · research science · affaan-m
search-first
Research-before-coding workflow: search npm/PyPI, MCP servers, skills, and GitHub for existing tools before writing custom code, then adopt, extend, or build. Launches the researcher agent for non-trivial needs. Use when starting a feature, adding a dependency or integration, or about to write a utility that may already exist.
Why this skill is useful
Adds a structured research workflow that helps the AI identify existing solutions before coding, which it 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 Workflow Decision Matrix Signal Action -------- -------- Exact match, well-maintained, MIT/Apache Adopt — install and use directly Partial match, good foundation Extend — install + write thin wrapper Multiple weak matches Compose — combine 2-3 small packages Nothing suitable found Build — write custom, but informed by research How to Use Step 0: Tool Availability Preflight This is agent guidance, not an executable setup script. Check only the channels that are relevant to the task and project in front of you. Channel Check If missing --------- ------- ------------ Repository search rg --files and targeted rg queries State that only visible files were inspected Package registry npm --version, python -m pip --version, or project package manager Use web/docs search and avoid claiming registry coverage GitHub CLI gh auth status Use public web or local git history only MCP/docs tools Available tool list or local MCP config Fall back to official docs/web search Skills directory ls ~/.claude/skills ~/.codex/skills where applicable Say no local skill catalog was available Quick Mode (inline) Before writing a utility or adding functionality, mentally run through: 0. Does this already exist in the repo? → rg through relevant modules/tests first 1. Is this a common problem? → Search npm/PyPI 2. Is there an MCP for this? → Check ~/.claude/settings.json and search 3. Is there a skill for this? → Check ~/.claude/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--6315f1