serena

Locate symbol definitions and references across 30+ languages via LSP.

322|45|Updated Dec 1, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Microck/ordinary-claude-skills --skill serena
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: serena
Source: https://github.com/Microck/ordinary-claude-skills/tree/main/skills_all/serena
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Microck/ordinary-claude-skills --skill serena

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Provides IDE-like symbol-level code understanding to locate definitions, references, and perform precise edits within multi-file codebases.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Symbol discovery across languages
  • Reference tracking and precise edits at symbol locations
  • IDE-like flow for complex refactors

Quick Start

Use serena to find the definition of a function named processPayment across a Python/JS project.

Frequently Asked Questions about serena

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I find all references to a symbol across multiple files in a large codebase?

Symbol-level code understanding with LSP locates all references to a function, variable, or class across files and modules. Serena tracks references using Language Server Protocol integration, enabling precise discovery without manual searching through your entire codebase across 30+ languages.

Can I navigate to symbol definitions and perform refactors across different programming languages?

Yes. LSP-powered symbol navigation works across 30+ languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, and Rust. Serena locates definitions and enables surgical edits at symbol locations, supporting IDE-like refactoring workflows without switching tools.

What's the best way to handle symbol-level edits in multi-file projects?

Symbol-level code understanding via LSP semantics performs precise edits at symbol locations across your entire codebase. Serena provides CLI and IDE-like access to definition tracking and reference updates, reducing manual coordination in complex refactors.

How does LSP-based symbol discovery differ from text search in finding code references?

LSP symbol discovery understands semantic meaning—it finds actual references to a symbol rather than text matches. This eliminates false positives from similarly-named strings and ensures you capture all usages, critical for accurate refactoring in large codebases.

Can I use symbol navigation for code navigation in languages without IDE support?

Yes. Serena provides IDE-like symbol navigation through LSP, which covers 30+ languages. You gain definition location, reference tracking, and precise editing via CLI access even when traditional IDE support is limited or unavailable.