Does this support multiple programming languages?

Yes, the patterns provided cover various languages including TypeScript, JavaScript, and Python, leveraging the multi-language support inherent in ast-grep and ripgrep.

Can this skill help with automated codemods?

Yes, it provides specific guidance on using ast-grep to rewrite code safely by targeting specific AST nodes rather than performing risky text-based find-and-replace.

Is it possible to combine both search tools for better performance?

Absolutely. This skill recommends using ripgrep to quickly shortlist candidate files and then applying ast-grep to those specific files for precise structural modifications.

When should I use ast-grep over ripgrep?

Use ast-grep when code structure matters, such as for safe refactoring or finding syntax-specific patterns. Use ripgrep for maximum speed when searching for simple text strings, literals, or TODOs.

Code Search & Structural Refactoring

Name: Code Search & Structural Refactoring
Author: edmundmiller

byedmundmiller

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Productivity & Workflow

Optimizes code navigation and automated refactoring by intelligently selecting between structural AST-based searching and high-speed text patterns.

About

The Code Search skill empowers Claude to perform precise codebase investigations and safe, large-scale refactors by leveraging the specific strengths of ast-grep and ripgrep. It provides a decision framework for choosing between syntax-aware AST matching—ideal for complex codemods and API migrations—and blazingly fast literal searches for general reconnaissance. By implementing these standardized patterns, developers can automate repetitive code transformations, enforce repository-wide policies, and navigate massive projects with surgical accuracy while avoiding the common pitfalls of regex-based search, such as false positives in comments or strings.

Key Features

High-speed text reconnaissance and pre-filtering strategies
42 GitHub stars
Syntax-aware pattern matching across multiple programming languages
Safe structural refactoring and automated codemod implementation
Repository-wide policy enforcement and custom linting patterns
Intelligent tool selection framework for ast-grep vs ripgrep

Use Cases

Automating large-scale API migrations and variable renames across entire repositories.
Developing custom repository-wide policy checks using AST-based node matching and testing.
Identifying specific code patterns or vulnerabilities while excluding irrelevant text in comments or logs.

About

Key Features

High-speed text reconnaissance and pre-filtering strategies
42 GitHub stars
Syntax-aware pattern matching across multiple programming languages
Safe structural refactoring and automated codemod implementation
Repository-wide policy enforcement and custom linting patterns
Intelligent tool selection framework for ast-grep vs ripgrep

Use Cases

Automating large-scale API migrations and variable renames across entire repositories.
Developing custom repository-wide policy checks using AST-based node matching and testing.
Identifying specific code patterns or vulnerabilities while excluding irrelevant text in comments or logs.