search-tools-guide

Guide selection of rg, Serena/LSP, and WebSearch for code and documentation retrieval.

Updated Mar 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tarrragon/ccsession --skill search-tools-guide
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-tools-guide
Source: https://github.com/tarrragon/ccsession/tree/main/.claude/skills/search-tools-guide
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tarrragon/ccsession --skill search-tools-guide

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The guide helps developers and researchers pick the right search tools (rg, Serena/LSP, WebSearch, and cross-tool workflows) for precise code and document retrieval, enabling faster and more accurate results.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guidance on tool positioning (Grep vs semantic search)
  • Decision tree for selecting search strategies
  • Practical scenarios for finding definitions, references, web docs, and cross-file traces

Quick Start

Identify your search goal and pick the appropriate tool, then perform a targeted search using the recommended tool to get structured results.

Frequently Asked Questions about search-tools-guide

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

FAQPage Schema
When should I use rg for code search versus semantic search with Serena?

Use rg for precise text pattern searches across files, and Serena with LSP for semantic navigation like finding definitions and references. The guide provides a decision tree to select the right search strategy based on your specific code retrieval goal.

How do I find web documentation and integrate it into my code search workflow?

To find web documentation, use WebSearch for web data gathering. The guide outlines cross-tool workflows to combine web searches with local code and document retrieval for faster, more accurate results across scenarios.

What is the best way to search for cross-file code traces and references?

The best way to search for cross-file traces is applying a structured search strategy. Use Serena for semantic references and rg for exact text matches, following the guide's decision tree to ensure accurate cross-file retrieval.

Does this search tools guide support structured metadata for consistent discovery?

Yes, the guide enforces a structured metadata schema and frontmatter-driven entrypoints. This supports consistent discovery, embedding, and safety assessment across all search tool Skill units.

Can I use rg and WebSearch together for a complete documentation search?

Yes, the guide details practical scenarios for cross-tool workflows. You can combine rg for local precise text searches with WebSearch for external web data gathering to achieve comprehensive document retrieval.