skills.rest
tstapler
tstaplerCOMMUNITY
Explore all skills by this author →
WebsiteGitHub

ast-grep

Identify syntax-based code patterns across Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Java codebases.

8|2|Updated Jul 13, 2015
Search Tags:#cli#ast#semantic-search#pattern-matching#code-search#language-agnostic
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tstapler/dotfiles --skill ast-grep-tstapler
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ast-grep
Source: https://github.com/tstapler/dotfiles/tree/main/.claude/skills/ast-grep
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tstapler/dotfiles --skill ast-grep-tstapler

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Locate code patterns that depend on syntax rather than text, such as function calls, imports, or decorators, by analyzing the code's structure.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Semantic pattern matching: Use AST-informed queries to find calls, definitions, imports, and decorators.
  • Language support: Works with Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, and more via language flags.
  • Flexible output: Reports matches with file paths, line numbers, and surrounding context for quick review.
  • Use Case: Refactor or understand unfamiliar codebases by locating all usages of a symbol across a project.

Quick Start

Run sg with a language flag and a pattern to locate the desired syntax construct in your codebase.

Frequently Asked Questions about ast-grep

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I search for code patterns using syntax structure instead of plain text?▼

AST-informed semantic search supports Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Java by applying language flags during your query to locate specific syntax constructs accurately.

How do I find all usages of a function or decorator across a project?▼

You can locate all usages of a symbol across a project by running a semantic pattern matching query with a language flag, which reports matches with file paths, line numbers, and surrounding context.

Does AST pattern matching work for refactoring unfamiliar codebases?▼

AST pattern matching works for refactoring unfamiliar codebases by identifying syntax-based code patterns across files, helping you understand structural dependencies and locate all relevant usages for review.

What context is provided when semantic code search finds a match?▼

Semantic code search provides context-rich match reporting that includes file paths, line numbers, and surrounding code context, allowing you to quickly review and verify the located syntax constructs.

Can I use language-agnostic pattern matching to find imports and classes?▼

Language-agnostic pattern matching applies to functions, classes, imports, and decorators by using AST-informed queries to find definitions and usages across multiple supported programming languages.

Related Skills

Explore More Software Engineering Skills→
elianivaelianiva
203

ast-grep

Translate natural language queries into ast-grep AST pattern rules for Tree-sitter languages.

Community
Advanced
sscciossccio

deepsearch

Search codebases for concept implementations and trace import trails to cited locations.

Community
Intermediate
bahayonghangbahayonghang
16

ast-grep

Search and validate code patterns using Tree-sitter structural queries.

Community
Advanced
gagan114662gagan114662

regex-expert

Craft, debug, and explain regular expression patterns across multiple flavors.

Community
Intermediate