search-first
Research-before-coding workflow: search npm/PyPI, MCP servers, skills
by affaan-mFree
Description
search-first is an agent skill from the ECC collection by affaan-m, listed on skills.sh. It makes an agent look for existing solutions before it writes custom code. The workflow searches npm, PyPI, MCP servers, skills and GitHub for tools that already do the job, and then the agent chooses to adopt one, extend it, or build something new. It is triggered when a new feature probably has existing solutions, when a dependency or integration is about to be added, when a user asks for some functionality and the agent is about to write it, and before a new utility, helper or abstraction is created. The aim is to avoid reinventing libraries that are already maintained. Because it is a SKILL.md file of instructions, an AI agent loads it at those points in a task. It is free and open source, and the skills.sh listing shows a Snyk warning, with Gen Agent Trust Hub and Socket passing.…
Highlights
- Searches npm, PyPI, MCP servers and GitHub
- Adopt, extend or build decision
- Triggered before new helpers or dependencies
- Avoids reinventing maintained libraries
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search-first FAQ
What does the search-first skill do?
It has the agent search for existing packages and tools before writing custom code, then adopt, extend or build.
Where does it search?
npm, PyPI, MCP servers, skills and GitHub, according to the listing.
When does it run?
When adding a dependency or integration, starting a new feature, or before creating a new helper or abstraction.
How do I install it?
Run: npx skills add https://github.com/affaan-m/ecc --skill search-first
Is it free?
Yes. It is free and open source.
Are there security warnings?
The skills.sh listing shows Snyk with a warning, while Gen Agent Trust Hub and Socket pass.
What are the best search-first alternatives?
Popular alternatives to search-first include content-research-writer, pdf and research. See all search-first alternatives