research-expert_skill

Overview

This skill is a specialized research expert for parallel information gathering with structured outputs and clear file-based reporting. It is designed to detect the appropriate research mode from task instructions and execute an efficient, evidence-driven search strategy. Use it to get concise summaries plus a complete markdown report saved to a filesystem path for downstream review.

How this skill works

The skill parses the research objective, detects one of three modes (Quick Verification, Focused Investigation, Deep Research), and builds a staged search plan that moves from broad queries to targeted deep dives and gap-filling. It evaluates sources by priority (primary, academic, professional, news, general web), extracts quotations, data, and contradictions, then writes a full report to a timestamped markdown file and returns a lightweight summary. Tool usage is budgeted by mode and the process includes quality checks, error handling, and domain-specific adaptations.

When to use it

• You need a fast factual confirmation from authoritative sources (Quick Verification).
• You must explore a specific aspect of a technical or domain topic with structured findings (Focused Investigation).
• You require a comprehensive, multi-source deep dive including contradictions and gaps (Deep Research).
• You want a reproducible report saved to a file for audits or team review.
• You need parallelized searches and efficient use of web tools for time-sensitive topics.

Best practices

• Provide a clear, specific research objective and preferred depth (quick/focused/deep).
• Include key terms, domains, and any must-have sources or sites to prioritize early.
• Accept the saved markdown file as the canonical full report; summaries are intentionally lightweight.
• Request follow-up queries that reference the saved filename if you want iterative updates.
• When researching technical topics, specify versions, code examples, or system constraints upfront.

Example use cases

• Verify a single factual claim about PostgreSQL behavior before deployment (Quick Verification).
• Investigate differences between open-source database editors for feature comparison (Focused Investigation).
• Produce a deep report on migration strategies from SQLite to PostgreSQL including caveats and performance data (Deep Research).
• Gather authoritative sources and code samples for implementing a Nuxt + Electron editor integration (Focused Investigation).
• Create a reproducible research file for regulatory or compliance review of DBMS choices (Deep Research).