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name: web-search-patterns description: Best practices and patterns for effective web searching usage: Claude autonomously applies these patterns when performing searches contexts: ["research", "information-gathering", "fact-checking"]

Web Search Patterns

This document outlines best practices and patterns for using the Gemini Search plugin.

Search Query Optimization

Query Structure

• Use specific keywords rather than broad terms
• Include context words when needed
• Avoid ambiguous phrases
• Formulate questions as direct queries

Effective Search Patterns

Informational Queries

• "What is [topic]?"
• "[Topic] overview"
• "How does [process] work?"

Comparative Queries

• "[A] vs [B]"
• "Difference between [A] and [B]"
• "Compare [A] vs [B]"

Problem-Solving Queries

• "[Problem] solution"
• "How to fix [problem]"
• "Troubleshooting [issue]"

Advanced Search Techniques

Boolean Operations

• Use quotes for exact phrases: "exact phrase"
• Use AND, OR, NOT operators
• Use wildcards: [term]* or [term]?

Source Filtering

• Domain-specific searches: [query] site:domain.com
• Date filtering when available
• Content type filtering

Best Practices

Before Searching

1. Clarify your search intent
2. Think of multiple ways to phrase the question
3. Consider related terms or synonyms

After Search

1. Verify source reliability
2. Cross-reference important facts
3. Note the search date for time-sensitive topics

Performance Considerations

• Be specific to reduce irrelevant results
• Use the cache when re-searching similar topics
• Check /search-stats to understand usage patterns