synthesize

Synthesize knowledge on this topic: $ARGUMENTS

Process

1. Source Inventory

Identify relevant knowledge sources across these categories:

Source Type	Where to Look
Code	Current codebase (Glob/Grep), implementation patterns, tests, comments
Documentation	Specs, READMEs, ADRs, API docs in the repo
Memory	.claude/ project memory, agent memory, previous learnings
External research	WebSearch, Exa for papers, blog posts, community discussion
Issue history	selected tracker or handoff entries, closed issues, decision rationale

Scan at least 3 source types. Don't rely on a single category.

2. Extract & Classify

For each source, extract:

• Claims — specific assertions about the topic
• Patterns — recurring approaches or structures
• Conflicts — where sources disagree
• Gaps — what no source addresses

3. Integration

Three integration strategies, used as appropriate:

Convergent — Multiple sources agree. High confidence. Extract the common principle.

Divergent — Sources disagree. Analyze why (different contexts? different values? different data?). Don't force resolution — document the conditions under which each view applies.

Complementary — Sources cover different facets. Weave into a complete picture, noting which source contributed which piece.

4. Output

## Synthesis: [Topic]

### Sources Consulted
- [Source type]: [what was found]

### Convergent Findings (high confidence)
- [Finding]: supported by [sources]

### Divergent Findings (context-dependent)
- [Claim A] (applies when [X]) vs. [Claim B] (applies when [Y])

### Gaps
- [What no source addressed]

### Integrated Understanding
[Coherent narrative combining all sources — the actual synthesis]

### Confidence Assessment
[Overall confidence and what would increase it]

### Actionable Next Steps
[What to do with this understanding]