spec-first:research

Evaluate technology options and provide evidence-backed recommendations.

72|9|Updated Mar 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/sunrain520/spec-first --skill spec-first-research
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spec-first:research
Source: https://github.com/sunrain520/spec-first/tree/main/skills/spec-first/05-research
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/sunrain520/spec-first --skill spec-first-research

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the process of technical research, helping users make informed decisions about technology stacks, third-party services, and architectural patterns by providing structured analysis and evidence-based recommendations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Technology Evaluation: Compare different frameworks, libraries, or tools based on predefined criteria.
  • Service Assessment: Evaluate cloud services, APIs, or SaaS platforms for suitability.
  • Architectural Decision Support: Analyze trade-offs between different architectural approaches.
  • Use Case: When deciding on a new database for a project, this Skill can research options like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Cassandra, comparing them on cost, performance, maturity, and ecosystem, then provide a recommended choice with supporting evidence.

Quick Start

Use the research skill to evaluate options for a new SMS verification code service.

Frequently Asked Questions about spec-first:research

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I conduct technical research for technology selection and architectural decisions?

Technical research for technology selection involves systematically gathering information to compare alternatives based on cost, risk, maturity, and ecosystem, providing evidence-backed conclusions for architectural decisions.

What is the best way to evaluate third-party services and APIs for a new project?

Evaluating third-party services requires assessing suitability by comparing platforms against predefined criteria like cost and maturity, using a structured checklist to ensure research quality and evidence-backed recommendations.

How does evidence-based technical evaluation work when comparing different frameworks?

Evidence-based technical evaluation works by enforcing a strict evidence protocol that systematically gathers information, comparing frameworks on cost, performance, maturity, and ecosystem to provide a recommended choice.

Can I use structured research to assess architectural design trade-offs?

Yes, you can use structured research to assess architectural design trade-offs by analyzing different architectural approaches and comparing alternatives to provide evidence-backed conclusions for your decision making.

What limitations exist when automating research for cloud service assessment?

Automating cloud service assessment relies on enforcing a strict evidence protocol and structured checklist, meaning research quality depends entirely on the availability of gathered information to compare alternatives and provide evidence-backed conclusions.

Do I need predefined criteria to compare different database options for a project?

Yes, you need predefined criteria to compare different database options, allowing the structured research process to evaluate alternatives like PostgreSQL and MongoDB based on cost, performance, maturity, and ecosystem for a recommended choice.