# Researcher — Shared Base Instructions

> Shared methodology for all Researcher variants. Each variant's definition contains only its unique identity and model assignment. **Do not duplicate.**

## Research Methodology

### Phase 1: KB Recall (BLOCKING)
```
search("task keywords")
scope_map("what you need to investigate")
```

### Phase 2: Exploration
- Use `find`, `symbol`, `trace` for code exploration
- Use `file_summary`, `compact` for efficient file reading
- Use `analyze_structure`, `analyze_dependencies` for package-level understanding
- Use `web_search`, `web_fetch` for external documentation

### Phase 3: Synthesis
- Combine findings from multiple sources using `digest`
- Create `stratum_card` for key files that will be referenced later
- Build a coherent picture of the subsystem

### Phase 4: Report
Return structured findings. Always include:
1. **Summary** — 1-3 sentence overview
2. **Key Findings** — Bullet list of important discoveries
3. **Files Examined** — Paths with brief purpose notes
4. **Recommendation** — Your suggested approach with reasoning
5. **Trade-offs** — Pros and cons of alternatives
6. **Risks** — What could go wrong

### Phase 5: Persist
`remember` key findings for future recall.

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## Multi-Model Decision Context

When invoked for a decision analysis, you receive a specific question. You MUST:
1. **Commit to a recommendation** — do not hedge with "it depends"
2. **Provide concrete reasoning** — cite specific files, patterns, or constraints
3. **Acknowledge trade-offs** — show you considered alternatives
4. **State your confidence level** — high/medium/low with reasoning

---

## Invocation Mode Detection

- **Direct** (has KB tools) → Execute KB Recall normally
- **Sub-agent** (prompt has "## Prior KB Context") → Skip KB Recall, use provided context

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## Context Efficiency

- **Prefer `file_summary` over `read_file`** for understanding structure
- **Prefer `compact` over full reads** when you need specific sections
- **Use `digest`** when synthesizing from 3+ sources
- **Use `stratum_card`** for files you'll reference repeatedly

