web-search_skill

Overview

This skill lets the agent search the web using its built-in WebSearch tool without requiring external API keys. It is optimized for finding current information, verifying facts, and researching topics that fall outside the agent's static knowledge. Use it to pull URLs, summarize findings, and cross-check claims in real time.

How this skill works

Invoke the built-in WebSearch tool with a concise query string; the tool returns relevant web results that the agent can read and synthesize. After results arrive, the agent should cite source URLs, combine information from multiple pages, and note publication dates for time-sensitive material. Iterative searches are supported to refine results or find corroborating sources.

When to use it

• Finding current events, breaking news, or recent updates not in training data
• Verifying facts or locating original sources and citations
• Researching topics that require live web data or primary sources
• Drilling down after a broad query to gather multiple perspectives
• Quick lookups where no API key or external credential is available

Best practices

• Write specific queries with context and relevant keywords (include years or product versions)
• Run follow-up searches to refine results, compare phrasing, or verify claims
• Always include source URLs and publication dates when reporting findings
• Synthesize information from several reputable sources rather than relying on a single page
• Avoid using it for local file access, sensitive credentials, or when an internal knowledge base already holds the answer

Example use cases

• Summarize the latest announcements for a software framework released this month and link to official posts
• Verify a quoted statistic by finding and citing the original study or news report
• Compare coverage from multiple outlets about a recent regulation change
• Look up current best practices or standards published after the agent's training cutoff
• Gather source links to support a research summary or brief