Does it automatically install packages or write code?

No. The skill follows a strict decision phase where it presents findings and asks for user confirmation before proceeding with implementation or installation.

What is the Search First skill?

It is a specialized workflow for Claude Code that mandates a systematic search for existing solutions, libraries, and tools before writing any new code.

What sources does the skill search?

The skill performs a parallel search across your local codebase, package registries (like npm or PyPI), GitHub, installed MCP servers, and other available Claude skills.

When should I use this skill?

Use it when starting a new feature, adding a dependency, or creating a utility that likely already exists in the broader software ecosystem.

Can I skip the research phase?

This skill is designed specifically to prevent skipping research. If a task is clearly project-specific with no possible external solution, it is recommended to use standard Claude behavior instead.

Search First Research Workflow

Name: Search First Research Workflow
Author: JasonLo

byJasonLo

0•

Developer Tools

Implements a research-before-coding protocol to find existing libraries, tools, and MCP servers before writing custom code.

The Search First skill transforms Claude's development process into a research-oriented workflow, preventing the duplication of existing work by mandating a comprehensive search for libraries, packages, MCP servers, and prior implementations. It guides the AI through a structured five-phase execution order—from clarifying constraints and performing parallel searches across multiple registries to evaluating candidates and obtaining user confirmation—ensuring that custom code is only written when a suitable existing solution truly does not exist.

Key Features

01Structured candidate evaluation and scoring framework

02Automated MCP server and installed skill discovery

03Parallel search across local codebase, npm/PyPI, and GitHub

040 GitHub stars

05Mandatory approval-gate mechanism before any code is written

06Mandatory 'Need Statement' initialization for requirement clarity

Use Cases

01Evaluating third-party dependencies before adding new features to a project

02Searching for existing MCP servers to extend Claude's tool capabilities

03Auditing a local codebase to identify and reuse existing utility functions

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jasonlo/skill-sommelier ss-search-first

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Key Features

01Structured candidate evaluation and scoring framework

02Automated MCP server and installed skill discovery

03Parallel search across local codebase, npm/PyPI, and GitHub

040 GitHub stars

05Mandatory approval-gate mechanism before any code is written

06Mandatory 'Need Statement' initialization for requirement clarity

Use Cases

01Evaluating third-party dependencies before adding new features to a project

02Searching for existing MCP servers to extend Claude's tool capabilities

03Auditing a local codebase to identify and reuse existing utility functions

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jasonlo/skill-sommelier ss-search-first

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT