| name | gabb-code-navigation |
| description | Teaches when to use gabb_structure for efficient file exploration.
Use gabb_structure before reading large files in supported languages.
|
| allowed-tools | mcp__gabb__gabb_structure, mcp__gabb__gabb_symbol, Edit, Write, Bash, Read, Glob |
Gabb Code Navigation
Installation
gabb can be installed per-project (gabb init --mcp --skill) or globally (gabb install-global).
When installed globally, gabb is available in all Claude Code sessions without per-project setup.
Search Strategy Decision Flow
When you need to find code, follow this order:
- Task names specific file/function? → Read directly (skip exploration)
- Looking for a code construct by name? →
gabb_symbol
- Looking for text content (strings, error messages)? → Grep
- Need to understand file layout? →
gabb_structure
gabb_symbol - Workspace Symbol Search
Search for symbols (functions, classes, methods) by name across the workspace.
When to use:
- Task mentions a function/class/method name to find or fix
- You need to find where something is defined
- Grep would return too many false positives
Example:
gabb_symbol name="update_proxy_model_permissions"
→ function update_proxy_model_permissions [prod] migrations/0011_update_proxy_permissions.py:5:1
Use Grep instead when:
- Searching for error messages or string literals
- Looking for text patterns, not code identifiers
gabb_structure - File Layout Preview
First: Assess if exploration is needed (see MCP instructions).
For trivial tasks with obvious targets, go directly to the file.
If exploring: Before reading large or unfamiliar code files, consider using gabb_structure to preview the layout.
This saves tokens when you only need part of a large file.
Recommended for:
- Large files (>100 lines) where you only need part
- Unfamiliar codebases where you're exploring
- Files you'll read multiple times
Skip when:
- You already know exactly what you're looking for
- The file is likely small (<100 lines)
- You can answer from existing context
- Files you've already seen structure for in this conversation
- You're searching for string literals, regex patterns, or error messages
(gabb_structure shows symbols, not strings—use Grep directly)
Supported Languages
| Language | Extensions |
|---|
| Python | .py, .pyi |
| TypeScript | .ts, .tsx |
| Rust | .rs |
| Go | .go |
| Kotlin | .kt, .kts |
| C++ | .cpp, .cc, .cxx, .hpp, .hh |
| C# | .cs |
| Ruby | .rb |
Usage Patterns
Symbol Search
gabb_symbol name="MyClass"
→ class MyClass [prod] src/models.py:45:1
File Structure Preview
1. gabb_structure file="src/large_file.rs"
→ Returns symbol names, kinds, line numbers (NO source code)
2. Read file_path="src/large_file.rs" offset=150 limit=50
→ Read only the section you need
What gabb_structure Output Looks Like
/path/to/file.rs:450
Summary: 15 functions, 3 structs | 450 lines
Key types: MyStruct (10 methods)
MyStruct st 10
new fn 12
process fn 17
helper fn 30
main fn 50
The output shows:
- File path and line count
- Summary stats (function count, struct count, line count)
- Key types with method counts
- Compact symbol tree:
name kind_abbrev line with single-space indent for children
