name: dde-ext-search-first
description: "DDE subordinate extension. Research-before-implementation workflow for dependency/library/approach selection. Can execute discovery commands, but cannot bypass DDE write gates."

DDE Extension: Search First

Skill Version: v0.1

Authority Chain

• Commander: dde-bootstrap
• Write gate: dde-code-guard
• This skill is subordinate and cannot override Layer 0-4 docs.

When to Use

• User asks to add a new feature likely having existing solutions.
• User asks to introduce dependencies, tools, or wrappers.
• DDE workflow requests pre-implementation research.

Execution Scope

Allowed:
- Repo scan (rg, file reads, dependency inspection)
- External package/options comparison
- Produce recommendation matrix: Adopt / Extend / Build
- Run non-destructive checks

Not allowed:
- No direct requirement mutation
- No bypass of RFC flow
- No direct code write without DDE gate

Mandatory Flow

1. Clarify target capability and constraints.
2. Search existing in-repo implementation first.
3. Search external maintained options.
4. Produce a ranked recommendation with tradeoffs.
5. If recommendation requires file changes, emit handoff:

DDE_EXTENSION_HANDOFF_REQUIRED

Handoff fields:
- Reason
- Target files
- Expected effect
- Risk notes

Then stop and re-enter dde-code-guard two-phase approval.

Output Contract

• Short decision summary
• Candidate table (name, maturity, fit, risk)
• Final recommendation
• Handoff block if writes are required