---
name: Ast Grep Find
slug: ast-grep-find-2
category: Quality
description: Ast Grep Find searches code by syntax so it can match function calls, imports, and class definitions instead of plain text. Use it for precise refactors, renames, and previewed replacements across a codebase.
github: "https://github.com/vibeeval/vibecosystem/tree/main/skills/ast-grep-find"
language: "C#"
stars: 528
forks: 44
install: "npx degit https://github.com/vibeeval/vibecosystem/tree/main/skills/ast-grep-find ~/.claude/skills/ast-grep-find"
installs_to: ~/.claude/skills/ast-grep-find
source_path: skills/ast-grep-find/SKILL.md
collection_size: 25
category_size: 1354
collection_url: "https://dirskills.com/collections/vibeeval/vibecosystem"
added: 2026-08-26T05:11:59.287Z
last_synced: 2026-08-26T05:11:59.287Z
canonical_url: "https://dirskills.com/skills/ast-grep-find-2"
---

# Ast Grep Find

Ast Grep Find searches code by syntax so it can match function calls, imports, and class definitions instead of plain text. Use it for precise refactors, renames, and previewed replacements across a codebase.

**Install:**

```bash
npx degit https://github.com/vibeeval/vibecosystem/tree/main/skills/ast-grep-find ~/.claude/skills/ast-grep-find
```

## README

# AST-Grep Find

Structural code search that understands syntax. Find patterns like function calls, imports, class definitions - not just text.

## When to Use

- Find code patterns (ignores strings/comments)
- Search for function calls, class definitions, imports
- Refactor code with AST precision
- Rename variables/functions across codebase

## Usage

### Search for a pattern
```bash
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "import asyncio" --language python
```

### Search in specific directory
```bash
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "async def \$FUNC(\$\$\$)" --language python --path "./src"
```

### Refactor/replace pattern
```bash
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "console.log(\$MSG)" --replace "logger.info(\$MSG)" \
    --language javascript
```

### Dry run (preview changes)
```bash
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "print(\$X)" --replace "logger.info(\$X)" \
    --language python --dry-run
```

## Parameters

| Parameter | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| `--pattern` | AST pattern to search (required) |
| `--language` | Language: `python`, `javascript`, `typescript`, `go`, etc. |
| `--path` | Directory to search (default: `.`) |
| `--glob` | File glob pattern (e.g., `**/*.py`) |
| `--replace` | Replacement pattern for refactoring |
| `--dry-run` | Preview changes without applying |
| `--context` | Lines of context (default: 2) |

## Pattern Syntax

| Syntax | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| `$NAME` | Match single node (variable, expression) |
| `$$$` | Match multiple nodes (arguments, statements) |
| `$_` | Match any single node (wildcard) |

## Examples

```bash
# Find all function definitions
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "def \$FUNC(\$\$\$):" --language python

# Find console.log calls
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "console.log(\$\$\$)" --language javascript

# Replace print with logging
uv run python -m runtime.harness scripts/ast_grep_find.py \
    --pattern "print(\$X)" --replace "logging.info(\$X)" \
    --language python --dry-run
```

## vs morph/warpgrep

| Tool | Best For |
|------|----------|
| **ast-grep** | Structural patterns (understands code syntax) |
| **warpgrep** | Fast text/regex search (20x faster grep) |

Use ast-grep when you need syntax-aware matching. Use warpgrep for raw speed.

## MCP Server Required

Requires `ast-grep` server in mcp_config.json.