| name | better-grep |
| description | Performs fast text search with one-shot patterns that minimize iterations by getting files, lines, and context in a single call. Use this skill to replace grep when searching for text patterns, finding specific code locations, or getting context around matches |
ripgrep: Powerful, one-shot text search
Always invoke ripgrep skill for text search - do not execute bash commands directly.
Default Strategy
Invoke ripgrep skill for fast text search with one-shot patterns. Use -e 'pattern' -n -C 2 to get files, line numbers, and context in a single call.
This minimizes iterations and context usage. Always prefer getting line numbers and surrounding context over multiple search attempts.
Common workflow: ripgrep skill → other skills (fzf, bat, sd, analyzing-code-structure) for interactive selection, preview, or modification.
Tool Selection
Grep tool (built on ripgrep) - Use for structured searches:
- Basic pattern matching with structured output
- File type filtering with
type parameter
- When special flags like
-F, -v, -w, or pipe composition are not needed
- Handles 95% of search needs
Bash(rg) - Use for one-shot searches needing special flags or composition:
- Fixed string search (
-F)
- Invert line match (
-v)
- Word boundaries (
-w)
- Files without matches (
--files-without-match)
- Multiline patterns (
-U)
- PCRE2 lookahead/lookbehind (
-P)
- Replace preview (
-r)
- Search hidden/ignored files (
--hidden, --no-ignore)
- Pipe composition (
| head, | wc -l, | sort)
- Use when Grep tool lacks the needed flag
Glob tool - Use for file name/path matching only (not content search)
When to Load Detailed Reference
Load ripgrep guide when needing:
- One-shot search pattern templates
- Effective flag combinations for complex searches
- Advanced features: multiline (
-U), PCRE2 (-P), replace preview (-r)
- File search modifiers:
--files-without-match, --hidden, --no-ignore
- Pipe composition patterns
- File type filters reference (
-t flags)
- Pattern syntax examples
- Decision flow for choosing Grep tool vs Bash(rg)
The guide focuses on practical patterns for getting targeted results in minimal calls.
Pipeline Combinations
- rg | fzf: Interactive selection from search results
- rg | sd: Batch replacements on search results
- rg | xargs: Execute commands on matched files
