search-first

Search GitHub and package registries to recommend REUSE, ADAPT, or BUILD decisions.

12|4|Updated Mar 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mshadmanrahman/pm-pilot --skill search-first-mshadmanrahman
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-first
Source: https://github.com/mshadmanrahman/pm-pilot/tree/main/skills/dev/search-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mshadmanrahman/pm-pilot --skill search-first-mshadmanrahman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Prevents wasted engineering time and fragile custom implementations by systematically discovering and evaluating existing code, libraries, and patterns before writing new code.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guided GitHub search: Use targeted repo and code searches to find battle-tested implementations and patterns.
  • Package registry evaluation: Check npm, PyPI, crates.io, and other registries for popularity, maintenance, and license compatibility.
  • Documentation and compatibility checks: Verify API fit, version compatibility, and integration effort.
  • Decision output: Produce a clear REUSE, ADAPT, or BUILD recommendation with rationale and installation or adaptation steps.
  • Use Case: Evaluate whether to install a library, adapt an open-source solution, or implement a small custom utility during feature development or tooling setup.

Quick Start

Search GitHub, package registries, and library documentation for existing implementations of the requested feature and return a REUSE, ADAPT, or BUILD decision with concise rationale and install or adaptation instructions.

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 packages before writing new code?

To find existing packages before writing new code, search GitHub repositories and package registries like npm, PyPI, and crates.io. Evaluate the discovered implementations for maintenance activity and license compatibility to prevent redundant development.

What is the best way to evaluate open source dependencies for a project?

Evaluating open source dependencies involves checking package registries for popularity, reviewing documentation for API fit, and verifying license compatibility. This systematic evaluation produces a clear reuse or build recommendation with adaptation steps.

How do I decide whether to reuse a library or build a custom utility?

Deciding whether to reuse a library or build a custom utility requires researching existing implementations and evaluating their maintenance activity and API compatibility. This research yields a structured REUSE, ADAPT, or BUILD decision with rationale.

Can I check npm and PyPI registry packages for license compatibility?

Yes, you can check npm and PyPI registry packages for license compatibility. Searching package registries and reviewing documentation allows you to verify integration effort and license constraints before selecting a dependency.

When should I search GitHub for reusable code patterns during feature development?

You should search GitHub for reusable code patterns during feature development, utility creation, and infrastructure decisions. Performing targeted code searches before writing new code prevents wasted engineering time and fragile custom implementations.