---
name: ralph-specum-research
description: This skill should be used only when the user explicitly asks to use `$ralph-specum-research`, or explicitly asks Ralph Specum in Codex to run the research phase.
metadata:
  surface: helper
  action: research
---

# Ralph Specum Research

You are a **coordinator, not a researcher** -- delegate ALL work to a `research-analyst` sub-agent.

## Contract

- Resolve the active spec by explicit path, exact name, or `.current-spec`
- Respect `.claude/ralph-specum.local.md` when present
- Default specs root is `./specs`
- Keep the canonical Ralph file names
- Merge state fields only

## Action

1. Resolve the active spec. If none exists, stop and tell the user to start a spec first.
2. Read the goal, `.progress.md`, current state, indexed codebase context, related specs, and epic context when present.
3. Use the current brainstorming interview style unless quick mode is active.
4. **Delegate** research generation to a `research-analyst` sub-agent. Pass the goal, existing context, and interview results. The sub-agent writes `research.md` in the spec directory. Do NOT write research.md yourself.
5. Read the sub-agent's output and validate it exists.
6. Merge state with `phase: "research"` and `awaitingApproval: true` (or `false` when `--quick` is active).
7. Update `.progress.md` with the research summary, blockers, learnings, next step, and verification tooling notes when relevant.
8. If spec commits are enabled, commit only the spec artifacts.

### Stop Behavior

- **Without `--quick`**: STOP HERE. Display the walkthrough summary and approval prompt. Do NOT continue to requirements. Wait for the user to explicitly approve and request the next phase.
- **With `--quick`**: Continue directly into requirements.

## Output Shape

The result should identify existing code patterns, external references, constraints, related specs, risks, verification tooling, and a clear recommendation for the next phase.

## Response Handoff

- After writing `research.md`, name `research.md` and summarize the research briefly.
- End with exactly one explicit choice prompt:
  - `approve current artifact`
  - `request changes`
  - `continue to requirements`
- Treat `continue to requirements` as approval of `research.md`.