When to Use

Use this to find code by concept or behavior (e.g., "where is auth validated", "how are plugins loaded"). Note: This tool prioritizes finding the right files and locations in the code. Snippets are truncated (max 16 lines) and are often just previews.

Example:

osgrep "how are plugins loaded" osgrep "how are plugins loaded" packages/transformers.js/src

Strategy for Different Query Types

For Architectural/System-Level Questions (auth, LSP integration, file watching)

• Search Broadly First: Use a conceptual query to map the landscape.

• osgrep "authentication authorization checks"

• Survey the Results: Look for patterns across multiple files:

• Are checks in middleware? Decorators? Multiple services?

• Do file paths suggest different layers (gateway, handlers, utils)?

• Read Strategically: Pick 2-4 files that represent different aspects:

• Read the main entry point

• Read representative middleware/util files

• Follow imports if architecture is unclear

• Refine with Specific Searches: If one aspect is unclear:

• osgrep "session validation logic"

• osgrep "API authentication middleware"

For Targeted Implementation Details (specific function, algorithm)

• Search Specifically: Ask about the precise logic.

• osgrep "logic for merging user and default configuration"

• Evaluate the Semantic Match:

• Does the snippet look relevant?

• Crucial: If it ends in ... or cuts off mid-logic, read the file.

• One Search, One Read: Use osgrep to pinpoint the best file, then read it fully.

Output Format

Returns: path/to/file:line [Tags] Code Snippet

• [Definition] : Semantic search detected a class/function here. High relevance.

• ... : Truncation Marker. Snippet is incomplete—use read_file for full context.

Tips

• Trust the Semantics: You don't need exact names. osgrep "how does the server start" works better than guessing osgrep "server.init" .

• Watch for Distributed Patterns: If results span 5+ files in different directories, the feature is likely architectural—survey before diving deep.

• Scope When Possible: Use path constraints to focus: osgrep "auth" src/server/

• Don't Over-Rely on Snippets: For architectural questions, snippets are signposts, not answers. Read the key files.

• "Still Indexing...": If you see this, please stop, alert the user that the index is ongoing and ask them if they wish to proceed. Results will be partial until the index is complete.