| name | code-search |
| description | Use when searching code by unknown means or choosing between text and structural search tools. Owns ast-grep vs ripgrep selection and text-search guidance. |
Code Search Tool Selection
Use this skill to choose the search or refactoring tool. After selecting ast-grep, load ast-grep; that skill owns pattern syntax, rewrites, repository rule setup, tests, severity, and CI.
ast-grep vs ripgrep
When to Use ast-grep
Use ast-grep when structure matters. It parses code and matches AST nodes, so results ignore comments/strings, understand syntax, and scope rewrites to matched code.
Best for:
- Refactors/codemods: rename APIs, change import forms, rewrite call sites or variable kinds
- Policy checks: enforce patterns across a repo (
scan with rules + test)
- Editor diagnostics and automation: LSP mode; structured JSON output
- Syntax-structured code changes after previewing the matches
When to Use ripgrep
Use ripgrep when text is enough. It's the fastest way to grep literals/regex across files.
Best for:
- Recon: find strings, TODOs, log lines, config values, or non‑code assets
- Pre-filter: narrow candidate files before a precise pass
- Quick searches where you just need to find text
Rule of Thumb
- Need a syntax-structured code change → start with
ast-grep
- Need raw speed or you're just hunting text → start with
rg
- Often combine:
rg to shortlist files, then ast-grep to match/modify with precision
ripgrep examples
Quick textual hunt:
rg -n 'console\.log\(' -t js
Find in specific file types:
rg 'TODO|FIXME' -t py -t js
Context around matches:
rg -C 3 'error' -t log
List files with matches:
rg -l 'import.*React' -t tsx
Mental Model
| Aspect | ast-grep | ripgrep |
|---|
| Unit of match | AST node | Line |
| False positives | Low (understands syntax) | Depends on regex |
| Rewrites | Syntax-scoped | Text replacement, risky |
| Speed | Slower (parses code) | Fastest (text only) |
| Use case | Structural search/refactor | Text search/grep |
Quick Decision Tree
Need to change syntax-structured code?
├─ Yes → ast-grep
└─ No
├─ Searching code structure? → ast-grep
└─ Just finding text? → ripgrep
Selection examples
- Find function definitions by syntax → use ast-grep, then load
ast-grep.
- Refactor API calls → use ast-grep; do not use text replacement.
- Find TODOs, log messages, or configuration values → use ripgrep.
