search-first

Guide developers to search package repositories, skills, and GitHub before writing custom code.

Updated Mar 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dbrijesh/raep --skill search-first-dbrijesh
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-first
Source: https://github.com/dbrijesh/raep/tree/main/templates/skills/search-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dbrijesh/raep --skill search-first-dbrijesh

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

The search-first Skill prevents unnecessary reinvention by guiding users to explore existing tools and libraries before coding.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Workflow Guidance: Provides a structured research workflow for identifying and evaluating potential solutions.
  • Resource Integration: Integrates with package repositories, skills, and GitHub for comprehensive research.
  • Decision Support: Offers a decision matrix for choosing between adopting existing solutions, extending them, or building new ones.

Quick Start

Use the search-first skill to research existing solutions for the "PDF text extraction" feature.

Frequently Asked Questions about search-first

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I find existing libraries before writing custom code?

How do I evaluate existing solutions before writing custom code? You can evaluate existing solutions using a structured decision matrix that guides choosing between adopting existing tools, extending them, or building new ones based on your specific requirements.

What is the best way to research tools for a feature like PDF text extraction?

What is the best way to research tools for a feature like PDF text extraction? The best way is to follow a structured research workflow that searches across package repositories, skills, and GitHub to identify and evaluate potential solutions comprehensively.

How does the decision matrix work for choosing between building or adopting a library?

How does the decision matrix work for choosing between building or adopting a library? The decision matrix provides a structured evaluation framework that facilitates informed decision-making by comparing the outcomes of adopting existing solutions, extending them, or building new ones.

Can I search across both package repositories and GitHub for code solutions?

Can I search across both package repositories and GitHub for code solutions? Yes, the resource integration feature supports comprehensive research across package repositories, skills, and GitHub to help you identify existing tools effectively.

When should I not use a search-first development workflow?

When should I not use a search-first development workflow? You should not use a search-first development workflow when your project requires highly specialized custom logic that has no existing equivalents in package repositories or GitHub, making reinvention necessary for the specific use case.