Wiki Term Research

Wiki Term Research

Create production-quality, deeply researched wiki term entries that serve as both quick reference and comprehensive learning resource. Every term goes through mandatory web research, cross-reference validation, and quality checks.

Inputs

• Term name: The concept to research and document.
• Domain context (optional): The industry or subject area for the wiki (e.g., "construction finance", "healthcare compliance", "SaaS metrics").
• Depth override (optional): User may request "quick" (abbreviated) or "comprehensive" (maximum depth). Default: comprehensive.

Before You Start

1. Find the wiki content directory. Look for a WRITING_GUIDE.md, AGENTS.md, or a src/content/ directory structure.
2. Read the writing guide if one exists. It is the canonical source for formatting rules. If anything in this skill contradicts a project-specific writing guide, the writing guide wins.
3. Scan existing terms to calibrate depth, tone, and conventions:

• List the terms directory to see existing file names and categories.
• Read 2-3 related terms to understand the expected quality level.

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Workflow

Phase 1: Orientation and Existing Content Audit

1. Search for existing entries on this topic. Check if the term already exists (update vs. create).
2. Scan existing categories and tags by reading related terms to understand conventions.
3. Determine the slug -- use kebab-case, descriptive, with regional suffixes only when meaning materially differs.
4. Read 3-5 closely related entries to understand gaps and cross-reference opportunities.

Phase 2: Web Research (MANDATORY)

This phase is NOT optional. Every term entry must be backed by web research.

Read [references/research-guide.md](references/research-guide.md) for search query patterns and source quality hierarchy.

At minimum:

• Run 3+ WebSearch queries to find authoritative definitions, industry standards, and practical guidance.
• Fetch 1-3 authoritative pages via WebFetch to extract exact definitions, requirements, and examples.

Phase 3: Compose the Entry

Read [references/article-template.md](references/article-template.md) for the full template and usage notes.

Mandatory sections:

• TLDR -- 2-4 sentences. What is it? Why does it matter?
• What it is -- clear definition expanding on the summary.
• How it works -- mechanics, process, or application.
• Practical example -- concrete worked example with realistic data.
• External references -- minimum 3 links to reputable sources.

Optional sections (include when relevant):

• Regional/jurisdictional detail
• Standard provisions or specifications
• Common pitfalls
• Industry role / why it matters for the product

Phase 4: Cross-Reference Validation

1. Verify all related slugs exist. If a related slug doesn't exist, include it but note it as a missing term.
2. Check aliases won't cause false auto-linking. Avoid single common words. Multi-word phrases and specific acronyms are safe.
3. Update related terms -- check whether 2-3 closely related existing terms should add this new term to their related list.

Phase 5: Quality Validation

Frontmatter checklist:

• [ ] Title is specific and matches the slug
• [ ] Summary is exactly one sentence, plain language
• [ ] Tags are concrete and searchable (5-8 tags)
• [ ] Categories use an existing category from the wiki
• [ ] Aliases are precise, no generic words
• [ ] Related has 3-6 entries using slug format

Content checklist:

• [ ] TLDR present and useful in 15 seconds
• [ ] At least one practical example with realistic data
• [ ] At least 3 external references with URLs
• [ ] Entry reads cleanly with ##/### hierarchy
• [ ] A reader can get the gist in 60 seconds

Research checklist:

• [ ] At least 3 WebSearch queries were executed
• [ ] At least 1 authoritative source was fetched and read
• [ ] No unsourced claims about requirements or standards

Phase 6: Missing Term Identification

After writing the entry, review concepts mentioned in the body that are NOT in the wiki.

Output a "Suggested future terms" list with term name and a one-sentence justification for each.

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Reference Files

• [references/article-template.md](references/article-template.md) -- Full article template with all sections and usage notes.
• [references/research-guide.md](references/research-guide.md) -- Search query patterns, source quality hierarchy, and research methodology.

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: aaronvanston
• Source: aaronvanston/agent-skills
• License: MIT

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.