> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.asteragents.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ask Web Tool

> Ask questions and get answers using real-time web data and AI

## What it does

The Ask Web tool lets your agents ask questions and get AI-powered answers using real-time data from the web. Perfect for getting current information, research, and answers to questions that require up-to-date knowledge.

## Key features

* Get answers using current web data
* AI-powered responses with source citations
* Real-time information beyond training data cutoffs
* Automatic source verification and linking
* Handles complex questions requiring research

## Parameters

| Parameter               | Type           | Required | Description                                                                                                                                   |
| ----------------------- | -------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `query`                 | string         | Yes      | The question to ask using web data                                                                                                            |
| `search_recency_filter` | string \| null | No       | Restrict sources by age: `hour`, `day`, `week`, `month`, `year`. `null` (default) means no recency filter                                     |
| `search_domain_filter`  | array \| null  | No       | Limit search to specific domains (e.g. `["reuters.com", "bbc.com"]`). Prefix with `-` to exclude one (e.g. `["-reddit.com"]`). Max 20 domains |
| `search_mode`           | string \| null | No       | `academic` for scholarly/peer-reviewed sources, `sec` for SEC filings. Leave `null` for general web, news, and current events                 |

## Common use cases

### Get current information

```
query: "What is the current stock price of Apple?"
```

Perfect for real-time data that changes frequently.

### Research recent events

```
query: "What are the latest developments in AI regulation in 2024?"
```

Get information about recent news and developments.

### Compare current options

```
query: "What are the best project management tools available in 2024?"
```

Research and compare current products or services.

### Verify facts and figures

```
query: "What is the current population of Tokyo?"
```

Get accurate, up-to-date statistics and facts.

### Technical research

```
query: "How do I implement OAuth 2.0 with the latest security best practices?"
```

Get current technical guidance and best practices.

## Best practices

* Ask specific, well-formed questions for better results
* Include timeframes when asking about current events
* Be clear about what type of information you need
* Review the provided sources for accuracy
* Use for information that may have changed recently

## Troubleshooting

**"No results found"**

* Try rephrasing your question more specifically
* Check if the topic might be too niche or recent
* Break complex questions into simpler parts

**"Search failed"**

* Verify your internet connection
* Try a different phrasing of your question
* Check if the query contains any restricted terms

**"Incomplete answer"**

* The question might be too broad - try being more specific
* Some topics may have limited web coverage
* Consider breaking into multiple focused questions

## Related tools

* [Scrape URL](/tools/scrape_url) - Extract content from specific web pages
* [Search Google](/tools/search_google) - Get Google search results
* [Call API](/tools/call_api) - Access specific API endpoints