What is the Decision Matrix in this skill?

It is a scoring system that helps you decide whether to adopt a tool as-is, extend it with a wrapper, or build a custom solution based on maintenance and license.

Does it work with different programming languages?

Yes, the workflow is language-agnostic and provides specific search shortcuts for Node.js, Python, Go, and common web frameworks.

Can this skill search for MCP servers?

Yes, it specifically checks local settings and global repositories for Model Context Protocol servers that might provide the required functionality.

When should I use the 'Agent' mode?

Use Agent mode for non-trivial features where a structured, deep-dive comparison of multiple libraries or frameworks is required.

How does Search First prevent 'reinventing the wheel'?

It forces a research phase using a structured workflow to check registries like npm, PyPI, and GitHub before any implementation begins.

Research First Workflow

Name: Research First Workflow
Author: oabdelmaksoud

byoabdelmaksoud

0•

Productivity & Workflow

Optimizes development by systematically researching existing libraries, MCP servers, and patterns before writing custom code.

The Search First skill implements a rigorous research-before-implementation methodology within Claude Code. It guides developers to identify language-specific libraries (npm/PyPI), Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, and GitHub templates before starting any feature development. By employing a structured decision matrix—Adopt, Extend, or Build—this skill ensures that engineering effort is spent on unique value rather than reinventing existing, battle-tested solutions.

Key Features

010 GitHub stars

02Systematic search across npm, PyPI, MCP servers, and GitHub

03Category-specific search shortcuts for common development needs

04Structured evaluation matrix for assessing third-party tool quality

05Decision-making framework to choose between adopting, extending, or building

06Parallel search capabilities using dedicated researcher subagents

Use Cases

01Conducting technical feasibility studies and library comparisons before finalizing architecture

02Identifying available MCP servers to extend Claude's capabilities for specific project requirements

03Evaluating whether to install a community-maintained utility or write a custom helper function

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add oabdelmaksoud/superclaw search-first

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Key Features

010 GitHub stars

02Systematic search across npm, PyPI, MCP servers, and GitHub

03Category-specific search shortcuts for common development needs

04Structured evaluation matrix for assessing third-party tool quality

05Decision-making framework to choose between adopting, extending, or building

06Parallel search capabilities using dedicated researcher subagents

Use Cases

01Conducting technical feasibility studies and library comparisons before finalizing architecture

02Identifying available MCP servers to extend Claude's capabilities for specific project requirements

03Evaluating whether to install a community-maintained utility or write a custom helper function

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add oabdelmaksoud/superclaw search-first

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT