Build applications with current, real-world data using Agent’s Web Search Web Search icon capabilities. This feature overcomes knowledge cutoffs by accessing the latest information on the web. When you ask Agent to create something requiring up-to-date information, it searches the web and fetches detailed content to make your app more accurate and useful.
Agent performing Web Search to gather current information for app development
Web Search is valuable for finding the latest packages, tools, and information. This ensures your apps use current best practices and are more accurate.

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Features

Build applications with current information using Agent’s Web Search. This eliminates manual research and data gathering. Whether you’re creating a dashboard with financial data or building a website showcasing recent startup launches, Web Search ensures your app reflects reality. Agent can perform the following Web Search actions:
  • Search: Find current information, latest documentation, and real-time data from the internet
  • Content fetching: Retrieve detailed information from specific websites and URLs
  • Source citations: View exactly where Agent found information so you can verify and reference sources

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Usage

Web Search is enabled by default. Include keywords like “search,” “research,” or “use Web Search” in your prompt to trigger it. To manually enable Web Search:
  1. Open Agent in your Replit App
  2. Locate the toggle controls in the chat toolbar Agent settings icon
  3. Toggle Web Search icon Web Search on
  4. Send your prompt
Agent automatically determines when to use Web Search based on your requests. Describe what you want to build, and Agent searches for current information when necessary.
Agent interface showing Web Search results and source citations for app development
Agent triggers Web Search when you request information that requires current data:
Use CaseExample Prompt
Finding optimal packages”I need to build an image editor - research the best libraries for canvas manipulation and build an app”
API research”Build a Discord bot that tracks GitHub commits - find the most reliable Discord.js tutorial and the best way to communicate with GitHub”
Framework comparison”Help me decide how to implement inventory management for my shopping app. Research the best authentication solutions and their trade-offs”
Tool discovery”Create an app with smooth animations - research the best animation libraries”
Current market data”Build a crypto tracker showing today’s top 10 coins with real prices”
Company research”Make a portfolio site for Michele Catasta, president of Replit”
Documentation updates”Build a Stripe payment form using their latest API changes”
Technology trends”Create a developer tools dashboard - what are the trending VS Code extensions?”

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How Web Search enhances your apps

Web Search transforms your applications from using placeholder data to incorporating real, accurate information:
BenefitDescription
Up-to-date technologyYour apps use latest information and packages not in training data
Best tool selectionAgent researches options to choose optimal packages
Current best practicesAccess to latest development patterns and security practices
Breaking limitationsOvercome knowledge cutoffs to use packages released after training
Accurate dataYour apps display current information instead of outdated examples
Professional resultsApplications that reference real companies appear credible
Time-savingAvoid manually researching packages and gathering data

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Source citations

When Agent uses Web Search, it provides source citations that show exactly where the information came from. Use these citations to:
  • Verify information: Check the reliability and accuracy of sources
  • Learn more: Visit the original sources for more context
  • Reference sources: Include proper attribution in your applications
  • Track research: Understand what information informed Agent’s work

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Content fetching

Agent can fetch detailed content from specific websites to gather comprehensive information for your project. This allows Agent to:
  • Read entire web pages to extract relevant details
  • Process documentation and reference materials
  • Gather specific data points from authoritative sources
  • Integrate structured information into your application

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Examples of Web Search in action

Package discovery for image processing 
Build a React app that lets people apply filters to photos. Research the best image processing libraries for React and implement blur, sharpen, and vintage effects
Agent searches for current image processing libraries, compares their features and performance, then builds the app using the most suitable tools.
Web Search works best with specific, detailed requests. For technology discovery, mention your specific requirements
Latest framework features 
Do research to understand the latest security best practices for authentication and authorization. Implement those best practices in my app.
Agent researches the latest security best practices for authentication and authorization and implements them in your app. Modern API integration 
Build a weather app that uses the most reliable and feature-rich weather API available
Agent researches current weather APIs, compares their features, reliability, and pricing to select the best option for your needs. Startup showcase website 
Build a website showcasing the latest Y Combinator batch startups
Agent searches for current YC batch information and creates a site with real startup data, logos, and descriptions. Personal portfolio site 
Create a personal website for Michele Catasta, a former researcher at Stanford and President of Replit.
Agent searches for professional information and creates an authentic portfolio with relevant experience and background. Travel planning app 
Build a trip planner for Japan with current prices and recommendations
Agent finds up-to-date travel costs, attractions, and planning information to create a realistic travel application. Financial comparison dashboard 
Create a dashboard comparing the latest quarterly earnings of major cloud providers
Agent searches for recent financial reports and builds a dashboard with current, accurate data visualizations.
Always verify information from Web Search results, especially for critical applications. While Agent searches reputable sources, confirm important details for production applications.

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Next steps

Combine Web Search with other Agent features for maximum impact: