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Task Researcher Guide

The Task Researcher custom agent transforms uncertainty into verified knowledge through deep, autonomous research. It investigates your codebase, external documentation, and APIs to create evidence-backed recommendations.

When to Use Task Researcher​

Escalate to Task Researcher when your task involves:

  • 🔄 Multi-file changes requiring coordination
  • 📚 New patterns or frameworks you haven't used before
  • 🔌 External API integrations with authentication or complex workflows
  • ❓ Unclear requirements needing investigation
  • 🏗️ Architecture decisions affecting multiple components

What Task Researcher Does​

  1. Investigates using workspace search, file reads, and external tools
  2. Documents findings with evidence, sources, and line references
  3. Evaluates alternatives with benefits and trade-offs
  4. Recommends ONE approach per technical scenario
  5. Outputs a comprehensive research document

NOTE

Why the constraint matters: Task Researcher knows it will never write the code. This single constraint transforms its behavior: it searches for existing patterns instead of inventing new ones, cites specific files as evidence, and questions its own assumptions because it can't hide them in implementation.

Output Artifact​

Task Researcher creates a research document at:

.copilot-tracking/research/{{YYYY-MM-DD}}-<topic>-research.md

This document includes:

  • Scope and success criteria
  • Evidence log with sources
  • Code examples from the codebase
  • External research findings
  • Recommended approach with rationale

How to Use Task Researcher​

Type /task-research <topic> in GitHub Copilot Chat where <topic> describes what you want to research:

/task-research Azure Blob Storage integration for Python pipelines

This automatically switches to Task Researcher and begins the research protocol.

Option 2: Select the Custom Agent Manually​

  1. Open GitHub Copilot Chat (Ctrl+Alt+I)
  2. Click the agent picker dropdown at the top
  3. Select Task Researcher
  4. Describe your task

Step 2: Describe Your Task​

Provide context about what you're trying to accomplish. Be specific about:

  • The problem you're solving
  • Technologies or patterns involved
  • Any constraints or requirements

Step 3: Let It Research​

Task Researcher works autonomously for 20-60 minutes. It will:

  • Search your codebase for patterns
  • Read relevant files and documentation
  • Use external tools (Context7, Azure docs, etc.)
  • Create the research document

Step 4: Review the Research​

When complete, Task Researcher provides:

  • Summary of key findings
  • Location of the research document
  • Next steps for planning phase

Example Prompt​

I need to add Azure Blob Storage integration to our Python data pipeline.
The pipeline currently writes to local disk in src/pipeline/writers/.
Research:
- Azure SDK for Python blob storage options
- Authentication approaches (managed identity vs connection string)
- Streaming uploads for files > 1GB
- Error handling and retry patterns

Focus on approaches that match our existing patterns in the codebase.

Tips for Better Research​

✅ Do:

  • Provide specific technical context
  • Mention existing code patterns to match
  • List specific questions to answer
  • Include constraints (performance, security, etc.)

❌ Don't:

  • Ask for implementation (that's Task Implementor's job)
  • Skip research for complex tasks
  • Provide vague descriptions

Common Pitfalls​

PitfallSolution
Research too broadFocus on specific technical questions
Skipping researchAlways research multi-file or unfamiliar changes
Not reviewing outputRead the research doc before planning

Next Steps​

After Task Researcher completes:

  1. Review the research document in .copilot-tracking/research/
  2. Clear context using /clear or starting a new chat
  3. Proceed to planning with Task Planner

Pass the research document path to Task Planner so it can create an actionable implementation plan.

TIP

Use the 📋 Create Plan handoff button when available to transition directly to Task Planner with context.

🤖 Crafted with precision by ✨Copilot following brilliant human instruction, then carefully refined by our team of discerning human reviewers.