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Pull External Context with WebSearch and WebFetch

Use Claude Code's built-in WebSearch and WebFetch tools to look up documentation, Stack Overflow answers, and API references without leaving your session.

Claude Code can search the web and fetch pages during your session. You don’t need to tab out and paste links.

WebSearch

Ask Claude to look something up:

Search for the latest Next.js 15 app router migration guide
and summarize the breaking changes.

Claude uses WebSearch behind the scenes, reads the results, and synthesizes an answer with sources.

WebFetch

Give Claude a specific URL to read:

Fetch https://docs.stripe.com/api/charges/create
and show me the required parameters for creating a charge.

Claude fetches the page, extracts the relevant content, and answers your question.

Practical Uses

  • Look up API docs without leaving your session
  • Check compatibility between library versions
  • Research error messages that come up during debugging
  • Pull examples from official documentation

When Claude Can’t Fetch

Some sites block automated requests. If a fetch fails:

  1. Open the page in your browser
  2. Select all content (Cmd+A)
  3. Copy and paste it into Claude Code

Tip

For private documentation behind auth, set up an MCP server that can access your internal wiki or docs portal. WebFetch only works with publicly accessible pages.