Web search

The Contral extension can search the web for current documentation, release notes, error messages and package information, and hand the results to the Build agent.

How to search the web in Contral#

• /web <query> (or /search <query>) shows web results in the chat.
• /research <query> searches, then gives the results to the Build agent as citations so it can use them in its answer or edits.
• Plain language works too: start a message with "search the web for…", "look up…" or "google…".
• Automatic search. When your request is about something that changes over time, such as the latest version of a library, release notes, pricing, a CVE, or package docs on npm, PyPI or Maven, Contral may search automatically.

Web search needs you to be signed in. Otherwise you'll see "You are not signed in. Sign in before using /web."

Extension web search limits#

Each search uses one extension web search from your monthly allowance.

The allowance resets on the 1st of each month at 00:00 UTC. These limits apply to web search in the extension.

When you run out, you'll see "Monthly web search quota reached." The rest of Contral keeps working.

Fetching a specific web page#

The Build agent can also fetch a specific URL you give it, for example read https://example.com/docs/setup and follow it. The page is fetched from your machine.

Web search errors#

For other errors, see Model & response errors.