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Web Search

By default, wtf has limited web search capabilities using DuckDuckGo's Instant Answer API - it only works for encyclopedic facts like "What is Python" or "Who is Ada Lovelace".

For real web search (weather, news, documentation, current events), you'll need to add a search API key. It's a quick 5-minute setup that dramatically improves wtf's ability to help.

Search Requires an API Key

Unlike other features, web search (except basic DuckDuckGo facts) requires an external API key. Don't worry - the recommended options have generous free tiers and don't require a credit card.

Best for: Most users - simple, reliable, Google results

  • ✅ 2,500 free searches/month
  • ✅ Google search results (high quality)
  • ✅ No credit card required for free tier
  • ✅ Very easy API

Get your key: serper.dev (sign up takes 2 minutes)

Add it to wtf: 

$ wtf here is my serper api key sk_YOUR_KEY_HERE

Or set manually: 

export SERPER_API_KEY="sk_YOUR_KEY"

2. Bing Search API

Best for: Microsoft Azure users or those who need more searches

  • ✅ 1,000 free searches/month (Free tier on Azure)
  • ✅ Bing search results
  • ⚠️ Requires Azure account
  • ⚠️ Slightly more complex setup

Get your key: Microsoft Azure Portal → Create Bing Search resource

Add it to wtf: 

$ wtf here is my bing search api key YOUR_KEY

Or set manually: 

export BING_SEARCH_API_KEY="YOUR_KEY"

Best for: Privacy-conscious users

  • ✅ 2,000 free searches/month
  • ✅ Privacy-focused search engine
  • ✅ No credit card required
  • ✅ Independent search index

Get your key: brave.com/search/api

Add it to wtf: 

$ wtf here is my brave search api key YOUR_KEY

Or set manually: 

export BRAVE_SEARCH_API_KEY="YOUR_KEY"

✅ All Search Providers Implemented

wtf will automatically use whichever search API key you have configured. Priority order: 1. Serper (if configured) - Best quality, Google results 2. Brave (if configured) - Privacy-focused 3. Bing (if configured) - Microsoft Azure 4. DuckDuckGo (always available) - Limited to encyclopedic facts only

All three major search APIs are now fully implemented and ready to use!

Once you've added a key, try it:

$ wtf "what's the weather in San Francisco?"
$ wtf "find documentation for React hooks"
$ wtf "latest news about AI"

With a search key, wtf can: - ✅ Check weather anywhere - ✅ Find documentation and guides - ✅ Look up current news and events - ✅ Research technical questions - ✅ Find specific information across the web

Troubleshooting

"Search API key not configured"

You haven't added a search key yet. Run:

$ wtf here is my brave search api key YOUR_KEY

"API key is invalid"

Double-check you copied the entire key correctly. Visit the provider's website to verify your key is active.

"Rate limit exceeded"

You've used up your free monthly searches. Either: - Wait until next month for the free tier to reset - Upgrade your plan with the provider - Switch to a different search provider

FAQ

Do I need this?

Only if you want wtf to: - Check weather - Find documentation - Look up news and current events - Research questions that require web search

Basic terminal help works fine without it.

Which one should I use?

Serper for most people (when implemented). Brave Search for now. Both have generous free tiers.

Is this secure?

Your API key is stored in your system keychain (macOS/Linux) or securely in ~/.config/wtf/config.yaml. Keys are only used to make search requests on your behalf.

Next Steps

  • Setup - Configure wtf for first use
  • API Keys - Manage all your AI and search keys
  • Configuration - Learn about other configurable features