Perplexity Search

Overview

Perform AI-powered web searches using Perplexity models through LiteLLM and OpenRouter. Perplexity provides real-time, web-grounded answers with source citations, making it ideal for finding current information, recent scientific literature, and facts beyond the model's training data cutoff.

This skill provides access to all Perplexity models through OpenRouter, requiring only a single API key (no separate Perplexity account needed).

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

• Searching for current information or recent developments (2024 and beyond)
• Finding latest scientific publications and research
• Getting real-time answers grounded in web sources
• Verifying facts with source citations
• Conducting literature searches across multiple domains
• Accessing information beyond the model's knowledge cutoff
• Performing domain-specific research (biomedical, technical, clinical)
• Comparing current approaches or technologies

Do not use for:

• Simple calculations or logic problems (use directly)
• Tasks requiring code execution (use standard tools)
• Questions well within the model's training data (unless verification needed)

Quick Start

Setup (One-time)

1. Get OpenRouter API key:

   • Visit https://openrouter.ai/keys
   • Create account and generate API key
   • Add credits to account (minimum $5 recommended)

2. Configure environment:

   # Set API key
   export OPENROUTER_API_KEY='sk-or-v1-your-key-here'
   
   # Or use setup script
   python scripts/setup_env.py --api-key sk-or-v1-your-key-here
   

3. Install dependencies:

   uv pip install litellm
   

4. Verify setup:

   python scripts/perplexity_search.py --check-setup
   

See references/openrouter_setup.md for detailed setup instructions, troubleshooting, and security best practices.

Basic Usage