search-first

Search npm, PyPI, GitHub, and internal skills before writing custom code.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Search Tags:#developer tools #research #workflow automation #dependency management #code generation #code discovery

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Gatsbyhateyou/gatsby-website --skill search-first-gatsbyhateyou

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-first
Source: https://github.com/Gatsbyhateyou/gatsby-website/tree/main/.agents/skills/search-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Gatsbyhateyou/gatsby-website --skill search-first-gatsbyhateyou

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the process of finding existing solutions, tools, libraries, and code patterns before writing new code, preventing redundant effort and leveraging community knowledge.

Core Features & Use Cases

Systematic Research Workflow: Guides users through analyzing needs, searching parallel resources, evaluating options, and deciding on an implementation strategy.
Agentic Search: Can invoke a dedicated researcher agent for comprehensive searches across npm, PyPI, internal MCP servers, and GitHub.
Use Case: When tasked with adding a new API client to a project, this skill ensures you first search for existing, well-maintained libraries before attempting to build one from scratch.

Quick Start

Before writing any new code, search for existing solutions using the search-first skill.

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 for a new feature?▼

To find existing libraries before writing custom code, systematize your research workflow by analyzing needs, searching parallel resources via agents across npm, PyPI, and GitHub, evaluating candidates, and deciding whether to adopt, extend, or build.

What is the best way to evaluate dependency maintenance and licensing for a new API client?▼

Evaluating dependency maintenance and licensing involves analyzing candidates found through parallel agentic searches across npm, PyPI, and internal MCP servers, measuring functionality and maintenance health to inform an adopt, extend, or build custom decision.

Can I search npm, PyPI, and GitHub in parallel when adding a new API client?▼

Yes, you can search npm, PyPI, and GitHub in parallel when adding a new API client by invoking a dedicated researcher agent that comprehensively scans these repositories for existing, well-maintained solutions.

Does this research workflow integrate with planner and architect agents for implementation decisions?▼

Yes, the research workflow integrates with planner and architect agents, supporting informed decision-making by passing evaluated candidates and need analysis directly into the downstream architectural planning process.

When should I not use existing code patterns and instead build a custom solution?▼

You should build a custom solution instead of using existing code patterns when comprehensive parallel searches across npm, PyPI, and GitHub yield no candidates meeting your required functionality, maintenance, and licensing criteria.

How do I systematize code discovery to prevent redundant development effort?▼

To systematize code discovery and prevent redundant effort, follow a structured workflow: analyze needs, invoke parallel agentic searches across repositories, evaluate options based on functionality and licensing, and formalize an adopt, extend, or build decision.