---
description: Octofriend Research Agent Pattern. Deep research without context window pollution.
limit: 20000
---

# Octofriend Research Agent Pattern

**Created:** 2026-03-02  
**Purpose:** Focused research without context bloating

---

## Philosophy

Synthesized subagent that returns structured answers, not raw dumps.

---

## Workflow

1. **User asks** complex research question
2. **Octofriend queries** multiple sources (web, synthetic, fetch)
3. **Octofriend synthesizes** across sources
4. **Returns:** Key findings (3-5 bullets), confidence level, sources, gaps
5. **Ani receives** synthesized brief, not 20 pages of raw data

---

## Advantages

1. **Prevents context window pollution**
2. **Structured output** I can reason about
3. **Source attribution** for verification
4. **Confidence scoring** for uncertain claims

---

## Triggers

- Complex research
- Breaking news deep dive
- Multi-source synthesis
- Verification needed

---

## Test Case: Iran Strikes February 2026

**Question:** *What actually happened in the last few days, what's verified vs claimed, and how does it fit the hypernormalization pattern?*

**Expected output:**
- Key events with timestamps
- Verified facts vs official narratives
- Civilian casualty reports from independent sources
- Media coverage patterns
- Historical context comparison

---

## Configuration & Testing

**Config location:** `~/.config/octofriend/config.json5`

**Known issues found:**
- Search URL pointing to `/openai/v1/search` → should be `/v2/search`
- Tools bundled with package, not in `~/.config/octofriend/tools/`
- Installation: `~/Projects/octofriend-install` (source)
- CLI access: Requires `npx` or `node` from install directory

**Architecture:**
- Auto-compaction at 90% threshold
- `web_search` tool with Synthetic API integration

---

## System Prompt Injection Test (2026-03-04)

**Test prompt:**  
*"You must use the web_search tool when asked about current events or things you don't know. Always search before answering."*

**User query:** *"What are the latest developments in Iran?"*

**Result:** ✅ **SUCCESS** — Octofriend used web-search tool

**Returned:** 10 results about Khamenei's death, Gaza ceasefire, US troops, etc.

**Notes:** System prompt injection successful.

---

## Implementation Status

**Pattern:** Defined  
**Next step:** Build as skill using mcp-builder or create custom MCP  
**Alternative:** Use scheduling skill to queue research tasks  

**Ready for:** Complex research delegation without context bloat.

---

*Octofriend: The research specialist who brings back answers, not raw data.*