search-replace

Name: search-replace
Availability: InStock
Author: alangeb

Perform bulk text substitution and pattern matching across local file systems using grep and Python.

Updated Jun 22, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #refactoring #search #replace #grep #bulk edit

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/alangeb/tau --skill search-replace

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-replace
Source: https://github.com/alangeb/tau/tree/main/src/skills/search-replace
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/alangeb/tau --skill search-replace

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the challenge of performing safe, consistent, and bulk text modifications across multiple files, which is essential for large-scale refactoring or variable renaming.

Core Features & Use Cases

Pattern Matching: Leverages grep to identify specific code patterns or text strings across an entire directory.
Verification: Includes built-in verification steps to ensure that replacements were applied correctly and no unintended occurrences remain.
Use Case: When renaming a function or updating a deprecated API signature, use this skill to find all instances, apply the change, and verify that the old pattern is completely removed from the project.

Quick Start

Use the search-replace skill to find all occurrences of the old function name and replace them with the new one throughout the current directory.

Frequently Asked Questions about search-replace

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I perform a bulk find and replace across my entire codebase?▼

Bulk find and replace across a codebase uses grep for pattern matching and Python logic to execute systematic text substitutions across local files, ensuring consistent modifications for large-scale refactoring.

Can I safely rename a function and verify the old pattern is completely removed?▼

Renaming a function safely requires finding all instances, applying the change, and running built-in verification steps to ensure the old pattern is completely removed and no unintended occurrences remain.

What do I need to run grep-based bulk edits on my local file system?▼

Grep-based bulk edits require standard Unix utilities and Python 3 to execute the search, edit, and verification workflows on your local file system, ensuring safe text modifications.

How does pattern matching work when updating a deprecated API signature?▼

Pattern matching for updating a deprecated API signature leverages grep to identify specific code patterns across an entire directory, then applies custom Python logic to substitute the text systematically.

What is the best way to handle large-scale variable renaming in software projects?▼

Large-scale variable renaming is handled by performing bulk text substitution across local file systems, using pattern matching to find occurrences and verification steps to confirm replacements were applied correctly.

When should I avoid automated text substitution for code refactoring?▼

Automated text substitution for code refactoring should be avoided if your project lacks standard Unix utilities or Python 3, as the verification workflow depends on these to ensure no unintended occurrences remain.