MCP Research Workflow

Use this workflow when you need to investigate a library, API, or unfamiliar pattern before writing code.

Prerequisites

Gateway instructions already tell you WHICH tools map to which domains. This skill teaches you HOW to use them effectively in sequence.

Workflow

Step 1: Identify what you need to know

Before reaching for any tool, clarify:

• What library/API/pattern am I investigating?
• What specific question do I need answered? (not just "learn about X")
• Is there a version constraint?

Step 2: Check official documentation first

Use the Gateway's doc lookup tools (per the Tool Routing Guide in your instructions):

1. Resolve the library identifier
2. Query for the specific topic you need

If the docs answer your question, stop here. Do not search the web redundantly.

Step 3: Web search (only if docs are insufficient)

Use the Gateway's web search tools only when:

• The library has no indexed documentation
• You need community solutions to a specific error or edge case
• You need to compare alternatives or find recent breaking changes

Search with specific, targeted queries — not broad "how to use X" searches.

Step 4: Synthesize and cite

Before proceeding to implementation:

• Summarize what you found in 2-3 sentences
• Note the source (official docs vs community post vs Stack Overflow)
• Flag if the information might be outdated (check version numbers)

Decision Points

Situation	Action
Official docs have the answer	Stop. No web search needed
Docs exist but topic not covered	Web search for that specific gap
No docs indexed at all	Web search directly
Found conflicting information	Prefer official docs over community posts
Information seems outdated	Note the version and check for newer sources

Anti-patterns

• Searching the web before checking official docs (wastes time, less reliable)
• Broad searches like "how to use React" (too vague, use specific queries)
• Not citing sources (makes it impossible to verify later)
• Continuing to search after finding a clear answer (diminishing returns)