Code Navigation Tools

Discussions recommend tools like ctags, cscope, IDEs, and editors for efficient codebase navigation, including jumping to definitions, finding references, and searching usages in large projects.

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Keywords

VS CSS TXR JetBrains andrewra.dev GOPATH LSP F3 FWIW beyondgrep.com search code vim ide files ides grep lsp navigation file

Sample Comments

foepys Apr 18, 2023 View on HN

You could just use a good IDE or editor instead which indexes the code for you...

bionsystem Sep 3, 2024 View on HN

Doesn't cscope fit this usecase ?

msravi Feb 25, 2023 View on HN

Use cscope and ctags. It's very intuitive

blcArmadillo Apr 20, 2021 View on HN

There are lots of options:- Yes, ctags/vim would work- You could use something like vscode- Consider checking out cscope. With cscope you can also build a reverse index which lets you find where things are called. It can be used with something like vim but also has a pretty nice TUI.

TACIXAT Feb 13, 2017 View on HN

I'd be really happy if they parsed the code and indexed definitions vs usage in search. A lot of times when I'm digging through a project I'll find a function and want to look up the definition. Ok, try searching for the type and function name, nothing, it must be type, a line break, then the function name. A lot of times I end up clicking through pages of search results trying to find something that is a little elusive. It would be awesome if they did it like IDEs and you could f

cm2187 Mar 13, 2022 View on HN

Don't you want an IDE to navigate through the code (go to definition/implementation, find all references, etc)?

jberryman Nov 1, 2010 View on HN

Look into ctags as others mentioned. Also, while over a word you can press * to jump to the next occurrence of that word. Press n for the next, etc.

aston Jun 16, 2007 View on HN

Sounds like you need a better IDE. Or grep...

gjvc Jan 23, 2017 View on HN

Learning a codebase requires fast navigation. ctags or a good IDE help with that.

wrigby Jun 18, 2016 View on HN

If you're IDE doesn't do it, then I highly recommend using ack[1]. It's my go-to tool for tasks like this, and I've found it a joy to use.1: http://beyondgrep.com