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HELP CENTER · FAQTools2 min read

When should I fetch a webpage after searching for it?

Search and fetch serve different parts of research. Search returns possible sources, while fetching a chosen page lets the agent examine its contents rather than relying only on a title or snippet.

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Use search to find candidates

Start with a focused query and review the result titles, addresses, and short descriptions. Look for the source that best matches the question, including its publisher and date when those details matter. Search results are pointers to pages, not proof that every claim in them is current or reliable.

Choose one or a few results to investigate instead of opening every candidate. If the question depends on a particular version, region, or policy date, make that context part of the search and verify it on the page itself. This keeps research focused and makes it easier to identify which source supports which statement.

Fetch the page and evaluate the evidence

Use fetch on a specific page when you need its text or context for further analysis. Check that the page is the intended source, that the relevant section is present, and that its publication date or update status fits the question. A page can be reachable yet still be outdated, incomplete, or unrelated to the result you expected.

When using the information in an answer, distinguish what the source states from your interpretation. If a claim is important, compare it with another authoritative source or open the underlying reference. Search discovers where to look; fetch makes a selected page available for closer reading, but neither step replaces judgment about source quality.

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