researching-options

Evaluating library options involves identifying viable approaches and collecting criteria-based evidence across maintenance, adoption, security, and license fit. This analysis produces an opinionated recommendation with tradeoffs clearly documented to resolve implementation blockers.

Researching a blocking technical question involves defining viable options and identifying tradeoffs to enable timely decisions. A timeboxed evaluation gathers evidence across criteria and delivers a clear, actionable recommendation saved as a report for audit.

You need a formal technical recommendation report when planning or implementation is blocked by unknowns, multiple viable options exist, or security and performance implications require assessment. It provides an audit trail for criteria-based evidence and tradeoff analysis.

Evidence-based research is not suited for business or product decisions. It should only be applied when a technical unknown blocks planning, a library needs evaluation, or security and performance implications require technical assessment.

Comparing technical approaches should use criteria such as maintenance activity, adoption rates, security vulnerabilities, licensing compatibility, and overall project fit. Gathering evidence across these dimensions enables a clear analysis of tradeoffs and an actionable recommendation.

Documenting tradeoffs involves analyzing collected evidence across maintenance, adoption, security, and license criteria to compare viable options. The analysis is saved into a structured .context/research/researching-options.md report to deliver a clear, actionable recommendation.