opengrep

Scan codebases for structural patterns and security vulnerabilities using YAML rules.

15|4|Updated Feb 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/opengrep/skills --skill opengrep
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: opengrep
Source: https://github.com/opengrep/skills/tree/main/skills/opengrep
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/opengrep/skills --skill opengrep

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Run Opengrep for pattern-based code search and security scanning. Use when grep is insufficient for finding code patterns that require structural understanding (function calls, data flow, nested structures). Also use for security vulnerability detection with custom YAML rules.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Semantic code search that understands code structure, reducing false positives compared to text grep.
  • Security scanning with configurable YAML rule sets to detect vulnerabilities.
  • Compatibility with Semgrep rule syntax and CLI workflows, enabling easy rule reuse across projects.

Quick Start

Run opengrep to scan your codebase with a default rule set and discover structural patterns and security issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about opengrep

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I find structural code patterns when grep is not enough?

Structural code pattern matching requires semantic understanding of function calls, data flow, and nested structures, rather than relying on text grep. Opengrep performs semantic code search to find structural patterns and reduce false positives in multi-language repositories.

How do I run security vulnerability detection with custom YAML rules?

Security vulnerability detection with custom YAML rules is executed by running Opengrep to scan your codebase. It uses configurable YAML rule sets and supports taint analysis to identify vulnerabilities across multiple programming languages.

Does Semgrep rule syntax work with other static-analysis tools?

Semgrep rule syntax compatibility is supported by Opengrep, allowing you to reuse existing custom YAML rules and CLI workflows. This enables easy rule reuse and consistent static-analysis security scanning across different projects.

Can I perform taint analysis on a multi-language repository?

Taint analysis is applicable to multi-language repositories using Opengrep. It scans for security vulnerabilities and traces data flow structurally across different programming languages within the same codebase.

What is the best way to reduce false positives during code search?

The best way to reduce false positives during code search is using semantic pattern matching instead of text grep. Opengrep understands code structure and nested data flow, providing accurate structural code pattern results.