Research Before Or During PLAN

Use this skill to run source-backed research around implementation planning. The project custom mode .gemini/rules/custom_modes/research_mode.md is authoritative for standalone RESEARCH behavior; PLAN mode may also use this skill inline or through a research-capable subagent when no fresh research artifact exists.

When to Apply

Apply this skill when:

• The user starts with RESEARCH or RPLAN.
• The user provides links that should influence a decision.
• The user asks for current/latest/up-to-date information.
• The task depends on third-party APIs, tools, libraries, models, pricing, legal/security guidance, standards, or external Skills.
• VAN detects that research is recommended before PLAN.
• PLAN detects that research is useful but no fresh research artifact exists.

Do not apply this skill for purely local planning where repository files and Memory Bank context are sufficient.

Workflow

1. Define the research question and the repository decision it supports.
2. Open every user-provided link.
3. Search for additional authoritative sources when the decision is non-trivial.
4. Prefer primary sources over commentary.
5. Record source freshness and uncertainty.
6. Write a durable English research artifact under memory-bank/research/.
7. If running in standalone RESEARCH mode, stop before PLAN unless the user explicitly asks to continue.
8. If running inside PLAN mode, return findings to PLAN and continue planning.

References

• Research artifact template
• Source quality rubric
• Handoff to PLAN checklist