Follow these steps:
1. Identify what needs citation
Target: $ARGUMENTS, else recent statements that reference external information. Citations are for information retrieved this task via external tools (web search, docs, API lookup) — not training data, which is base knowledge and never cited.
2. Track sources as you work
For each source consulted, note:
- The URL actually visited
- What specific information came from it
- Which claims depend on it
3. Validate every URL before citing
Confirm each URL resolves (use WebFetch). A source that 404s or times out is not a real source.
4. Match citation format to context
- Formal work: structured citations (APA, MLA)
- Technical discussion: simple references with working URLs
- Quick response: inline links with clear attribution
5. Separate source material from synthesis
Mark what came from sources ("According to…", "The documentation states…") versus your own analysis ("This suggests…", "Based on this, I conclude…").
6. Present citations where readers can find them
Group citations in a dedicated section or place them inline. Make URLs clickable and obvious. Include enough context to verify the interpretation.