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name: boost-search-docs-first description: Use Laravel Boost search-docs to verify the correct, version-specific approach before implementing Laravel ecosystem features.

Use Boost Docs First

Goal

Avoid incorrect or outdated implementations by verifying the approach using Laravel Boost’s search-docs tool before writing code.

This skill applies to Laravel ecosystem features where behaviour, APIs, or best practices vary by version.

When to Apply

Use Boost search-docs before coding when the task involves any of the following:

• Laravel framework features (routing, middleware, validation, queues, auth)
• Livewire (including Volt and Livewire 3 behaviour)
• Flux UI (free or pro components)
• Fortify authentication features
• Tailwind CSS v4 utilities or patterns
• Pest v4 testing features
• Horizon, Pulse, Nightwatch, or other Laravel first-party packages

If you are unsure about syntax, behaviour, or best practice, assume this skill applies.

How to Apply

1. Start with search-docs using broad, simple queries
   Examples:

   • ['livewire pagination']
   • ['fortify registration']
   • ['tailwind v4 grid']
   • ['pest browser test']

2. Narrow the query only if needed after reviewing initial results.

3. Verify the approach against:

   • Installed package versions
   • Existing project patterns in sibling files

4. Only proceed to implementation once the documented approach is confirmed.

What NOT to Do

• Do not rely on general Laravel knowledge if documentation is available.
• Do not guess APIs or options when Boost can confirm them.
• Do not copy patterns from older Laravel, Livewire, or Tailwind versions without verification.

Exceptions

You may skip search-docs if:

• The change is trivial and already follows an existing, identical pattern in the codebase.
• The user explicitly instructs you to proceed without documentation lookup.

Anti-patterns

• Writing code first and checking docs afterward.
• Mixing documentation from different major versions.
• Assuming behaviour based on pre-Laravel 11 conventions.