structural-search
Search code by AST structure using ast-grep. Find semantic patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions instead of text patterns. Triggers on: find all calls to X, search for pattern, refactor usages, find where function is used, structural search, ast-grep, sg.
Best use case
structural-search is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt. It is especially useful for teams working in multi. Search code by AST structure using ast-grep. Find semantic patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions instead of text patterns. Triggers on: find all calls to X, search for pattern, refactor usages, find where function is used, structural search, ast-grep, sg.
Search code by AST structure using ast-grep. Find semantic patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions instead of text patterns. Triggers on: find all calls to X, search for pattern, refactor usages, find where function is used, structural search, ast-grep, sg.
Users should expect a more consistent workflow output, faster repeated execution, and less time spent rewriting prompts from scratch.
Practical example
Example input
Use the "structural-search" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: Search code by AST structure using ast-grep. Find semantic patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions instead of text patterns. Triggers on: find all calls to X, search for pattern, refactor usages, find where function is used, structural search, ast-grep, sg.
Example output
A structured workflow result with clearer steps, more consistent formatting, and an output that is easier to reuse in the next run.
When to use this skill
- Use this skill when you want a reusable workflow rather than writing the same prompt again and again.
When not to use this skill
- Do not use this when you only need a one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- Do not use it if you cannot install or maintain the related files, repository context, or supporting tools.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/structural-search/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How structural-search Compares
| Feature / Agent | structural-search | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Search code by AST structure using ast-grep. Find semantic patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions instead of text patterns. Triggers on: find all calls to X, search for pattern, refactor usages, find where function is used, structural search, ast-grep, sg.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Structural Search
Search code by its abstract syntax tree (AST) structure. Finds semantic patterns that regex cannot match reliably.
## Tools
| Tool | Command | Use For |
|------|---------|---------|
| ast-grep | `sg -p 'pattern'` | AST-aware code search |
## Pattern Syntax
| Pattern | Matches | Example |
|---------|---------|---------|
| `$NAME` | Named identifier | `function $NAME() {}` |
| `$_` | Any single node | `console.log($_)` |
| `$$$` | Zero or more nodes | `function $_($$$) {}` |
## Top 10 Essential Patterns
```bash
# 1. Find console.log calls
sg -p 'console.log($_)'
# 2. Find React hooks
sg -p 'const [$_, $_] = useState($_)'
sg -p 'useEffect($_, [$$$])'
# 3. Find function definitions
sg -p 'function $NAME($$$) { $$$ }'
sg -p 'def $NAME($$$): $$$' --lang python
# 4. Find imports
sg -p 'import $_ from "$_"'
sg -p 'from $_ import $_' --lang python
# 5. Find async patterns
sg -p 'await $_'
sg -p 'async function $NAME($$$) { $$$ }'
# 6. Find error handling
sg -p 'try { $$$ } catch ($_) { $$$ }'
sg -p 'if err != nil { $$$ }' --lang go
# 7. Find potential issues
sg -p '$_ == $_' # == instead of ===
sg -p 'eval($_)' # Security risk
sg -p '$_.innerHTML = $_' # XSS vector
# 8. Preview refactoring
sg -p 'console.log($_)' -r 'logger.info($_)'
# 9. Apply refactoring
sg -p 'var $NAME = $_' -r 'const $NAME = $_' --rewrite
# 10. Search specific language
sg -p 'pattern' --lang typescript
```
## Quick Reference
| Task | Command |
|------|---------|
| Find pattern | `sg -p 'pattern'` |
| Specific language | `sg -p 'pattern' --lang python` |
| Replace (preview) | `sg -p 'old' -r 'new'` |
| Replace (apply) | `sg -p 'old' -r 'new' --rewrite` |
| Show context | `sg -p 'pattern' -A 3` |
| JSON output | `sg -p 'pattern' --json` |
| File list only | `sg -p 'pattern' -l` |
| Count matches | `sg -p 'pattern' --count` |
| Run YAML rules | `sg scan` |
## When to Use
- Finding all usages of a function/method
- Locating specific code patterns (hooks, API calls)
- Preparing for large-scale refactoring
- When regex would match false positives
- Detecting anti-patterns and security issues
- Creating custom linting rules
## Additional Resources
For complete patterns, load:
- `./references/js-ts-patterns.md` - JavaScript/TypeScript patterns
- `./references/python-patterns.md` - Python patterns
- `./references/go-rust-patterns.md` - Go and Rust patterns
- `./references/security-patterns.md` - Security vulnerability detection
- `./references/advanced-usage.md` - YAML rules and tool integration
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