search-first

Installation
SKILL.md

Search First

Trigger

Use this skill before you:

  • Add a new feature or workflow step
  • Introduce a new dependency, MCP server, or CLI integration
  • Write a new utility/helper that might already exist
  • Copy patterns from another repo (porting)

Outcome

Pick one of: Adopt, Extend, Compose, Build, with a short justification and evidence.

Workflow (Fast)

  1. Define the need

    • What is the smallest outcome that solves the problem?
    • Constraints: platform (macOS/Linux/Windows), clients (codex/claude/gemini/opencode), offline needs, security posture.
  2. Search locally (before the internet)

    • Code: rg -n "<keyword>" in the repo.
    • Scripts: check scripts/ for existing lifecycle/doctor commands.
    • Docs: check README* and docs/.
  3. Search existing skills

    • Repo-local: .codex/skills, .claude/skills, .agents/skills.
    • Global: ~/.codex/skills, ~/.claude/skills, ~/.gemini/skills, ~/.config/opencode/skills.
    • Prefer reusing an existing skill name over creating a near-duplicate.
  4. Search the ecosystem (when needed)

    • Prefer official docs and primary sources (project docs, RFCs, standards).
    • Prefer maintained, well-scoped libraries over bespoke code.
    • For agent tooling, check if an MCP server already provides the capability.
  5. Decide

    • Adopt: exact match, maintained, acceptable license.
    • Extend: mostly fits; add thin wrapper/adapter.
    • Compose: 2-3 small pieces together beat 1 big framework.
    • Build: no good option; implement minimal + document why.
  6. Record evidence

    • Note what you searched, what you found, and why you chose the approach.
    • If a decision affects cross-CLI behavior, add it to a docs/plans/ artifact.
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Installs
2
GitHub Stars
35
First Seen
Apr 15, 2026