websearch_skill

Overview

This skill performs live web searches using an Exa-backed websearch tool to fetch up-to-date facts, external documentation, release notes, APIs, and other internet-native content. It is designed to be used whenever information cannot be reliably found in the local repository or requires current data. The skill returns concise summaries and source URLs from search results.

How this skill works

The skill converts the user's request into focused search queries, including the current year for time-sensitive topics. It runs the websearch tool with sensible defaults (numResults: 8, type: auto, livecrawl: fallback) and retries with adjusted queries or type: "deep" when results are weak. Findings are summarized clearly and include result URLs so users can verify sources.

When to use it

• To fetch current facts, news, or release notes not present locally
• When the user asks for external API docs, examples, or third-party guides
• For research that needs multiple web sources or cross-checking
• To verify claims, find authoritative sources, or link to primary docs
• When local repository data is insufficient or potentially out of date

Best practices

• Turn requests into narrow, focused queries; prefer multiple targeted searches over a single broad one
• Include the current year for time-sensitive queries to avoid stale results
• Start with default search settings and retry with broader, narrower, or deep searches if results are weak
• Limit retries to 1–2 follow-ups and adjust wording rather than piling on many simultaneous variations
• Always summarize key findings and include source URLs so users can inspect originals

Example use cases

• Summarize the latest release notes for a third-party library and link to the changelog
• Locate and extract relevant API endpoints and examples from external documentation
• Compare recent news coverage or blog posts about a technology trend
• Verify a claim by finding authoritative sources and quoting evidence with links
• Find up-to-date configuration guidance or migration steps from vendor docs