---
name: Competitive Scan
type: research
typical_query_count: 3-5
expected_output_length: 800-1500 words
cascade_tier: groq_preferred
description: >
  Compare a project against its alternatives. Produces a feature matrix,
  strengths/weaknesses analysis, and positioning summary.
---

# Competitive Scan: {project} vs Alternatives

## Context

Compare **{project}** against **{alternatives}** (comma-separated list of
competitors). The goal is to understand where {project} stands and identify
differentiation opportunities.

## Constraints

- Comparison date: {date}.
- Focus areas: {focus_areas} (e.g., features, pricing, community, performance).
- Perspective: {perspective} (user, developer, business).

## Research Steps

1. Gather key facts about {project} (features, pricing, community size, release cadence).
2. Gather the same data for each alternative in {alternatives}.
3. Build a feature comparison matrix.
4. Identify strengths and weaknesses for each entry.
5. Summarize positioning and recommend next steps.

## Output Format

### Overview

One paragraph: what space does {project} compete in, and who are the main players?

### Feature Matrix

| Feature / Attribute | {project} | {alt_1} | {alt_2} | {alt_3} |
|--------------------|-----------|---------|---------|---------|
| {feature_1}        | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |
| {feature_2}        | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |
| Pricing            | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |
| License            | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |
| Community Size     | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |
| Last Major Release | ...       | ...     | ...     | ...     |

### Strengths & Weaknesses

#### {project}
- **Strengths:** ...
- **Weaknesses:** ...

#### {alt_1}
- **Strengths:** ...
- **Weaknesses:** ...

_(Repeat for each alternative)_

### Positioning Map

Describe where each project sits along the key dimensions (e.g., simplicity
vs power, free vs paid, niche vs general).

### Recommendations

Bullet list of actions based on the competitive landscape:

- **Differentiate on:** {differentiator}
- **Watch out for:** {threat}
- **Consider adopting from {alt}:** {feature_or_approach}