Deep Research
This skill provides a systematic approach to researching and analyzing the codebase and external dependencies. It is designed to be used before starting complex implementation tasks.
<critical_tools> You MUST strictly follow the rules defined in the project's command guides.
- Local Code Discovery
- REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use codebase_search for local code discovery. - MANDATORY: Use codebase_search for local code discovery.
- Sourcebot (External Search)
- Reference: .claude/commands/sourcebot.md - MANDATORY: Use Sourcebot (5-7 times) for EXTERNAL libraries/frameworks only. - NEVER use it for local code. - Workflow: list_repos -> Identify ID -> search_code with filterByRepoIds.
- Pal MCP Toolkit (Architecture Analysis)
- Reference: .claude/commands/pal.md (unified Pal skill) - MANDATORY: Use pal skill and appropriate Pal MCP tools before complex tasks. - Available Tools: mcp__zen__analyze, mcp__zen__debug, mcp__zen__planner, mcp__zen__refactor, mcp__zen__codereview, mcp__zen__tracer - Scope: Architecture, Quality, Performance, Security, Tech Debt. - CRITICAL ENFORCEMENT: - YOU MUST ALWAYS complete ALL THE STEPS when using any Pal MCP tool. - NEVER stop in the middle of the steps. - If you don't complete the steps until next_step_required: false, YOUR TASK WILL BE INVALIDATED. - NO EXCEPTIONS. - MODEL REQUIREMENT: - MANDATORY: Always use model: "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6" for ALL Pal MCP tool calls. - NEVER use any other model when calling Pal MCP tools.
- Context7 & Perplexity (External Knowledge)
- Reference: .claude/commands/perplexity.md - Context7: Use for 3rd party libraries NOT in Sourcebot. Resolve ID -> Get Docs. - Perplexity: Use for ANY broad research, latest docs, or debugging. </critical_tools>
<research_strategy> MANDATORY: You MUST use your tools for EVERY research task. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Understand the Request: Identify the specific task, goal, or question.
- Internal Discovery:
- REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use codebase_search for local code discovery. - Search for relevant local code concepts, patterns, and files using natural language. - Identify existing architectural patterns. - Use codebase_search to search specific areas.
- External Research (Sourcebot):
- If the task involves external libraries, search for their usage patterns and docs using Sourcebot.
- External Knowledge (Context7 & Perplexity):
- Use Context7 for libraries not in Sourcebot. - Use Perplexity for broad research or debugging.
- Deep Analysis (Pal Analyze):
- Run the zen_analyze tool to get a comprehensive view of the architecture, risks, and quality. - Complete the analysis loop.
- Synthesize: Combine findings from all sources into the final report. </research_strategy>
<quality_standards>
- MANDATORY: Use tools extensively before answering.
- Conciseness: Keep summaries high-signal and low-noise.
- Authoritative: Prioritize findings from the codebase and official documentation (via Sourcebot/Context7).
- No Hallucinations: NEVER include information not found via tools.
- Direct Output: Do NOT create files. Return the report directly in the chat. </quality_standards>
<output_format> Return a SINGLE comprehensive message with the following structure:
Deep Analysis Report: [Topic]
1. Context Summary
[Concise summary of what was found in the local codebase, including key files and architectural patterns]
2. External Insights
[Relevant patterns, best practices, or documentation found for external libraries]
3. Deep Analysis Findings
[Insights on Architecture, Security, Performance, and Tech Debt derived from Pal Analyze]
4. Implementation Plan / Recommendations
[Concrete next steps, solution design, or answer to the user's request]
5. Relevant Files
[List of absolute paths to the most important files discovered during research] </output_format>