Sourcegraph Code Search Guide | Generated by AI

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Sourcegraph is a powerful code search and navigation tool that allows developers to search across multiple repositories, understand code dependencies, and navigate large codebases efficiently. This guide covers search syntax, best practices, and language-specific searches (Java & Python).

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1. Basic Search Syntax

Sourcegraph supports literal, regex, and structural search with filters.

1.1. Literal Search

Search for exact text:

"def calculate_sum"

1.2. Regex Search

Use /.../ for regex:

/def \w+_sum\(/

1.3. Structural Search (Beta)

Search for code patterns (e.g., function definitions):

type:func def calculate_sum

1.4. Filters

Refine searches with filters:

• repo: – Search in a specific repo

  repo:github.com/elastic/elasticsearch "def search"
  

• file: – Search in specific files

  file:src/main/java "public class"
  

• lang: – Search in a specific language

  lang:python "def test_"
  

• type: – Search for symbols (functions, classes, etc.)

  type:func lang:go "func main"
  

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2. Advanced Search Techniques

2.1. Boolean Operators

• AND (default): def calculate AND sum
• OR: def calculate OR def sum
• NOT: def calculate NOT def subtract

2.2. Wildcards

• * – Matches any sequence of characters

  "def calculate_*"
  

• ? – Matches a single character

  "def calculate_?"
  

2.3. Case Sensitivity

• Case-insensitive by default
• Force case-sensitive with case:yes

  case:yes "Def Calculate"
  

2.4. Search in Comments

Use patternType:literal to search in comments:

patternType:literal "// TODO:"

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3. Searching Java Code

3.1. Find Classes

type:symbol lang:java "public class"

3.2. Find Methods

type:func lang:java "public void"

3.3. Find Annotations

lang:java "@Override"

3.4. Find Imports

lang:java "import org.springframework"

3.5. Find Exception Handling

lang:java "try {" AND "catch (Exception"

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4. Searching Python Code

4.1. Find Functions

type:func lang:python "def calculate"

4.2. Find Classes

type:symbol lang:python "class Calculator"

4.3. Find Imports

lang:python "import pandas"

4.4. Find Decorators

lang:python "@app.route"

4.5. Find Docstrings

lang:python '"""'

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5. Best Practices

1. Use lang: to narrow down results.
2. Combine filters (repo:, file:, type:) for precision.
3. Use regex for flexible pattern matching.
4. Save searches for frequent queries.
5. Use case:yes when needed.

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6. Example Queries

| Goal | Query | |———-|———–| | Find all Java main methods | lang:java "public static void main" | | Find Python test functions | lang:python "def test_" | | Find TODO comments in Go | lang:go "// TODO:" | | Find Spring Boot controllers | lang:java "@RestController" | | Find all if statements in JS | lang:javascript "if (" |

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7. Conclusion

Sourcegraph’s search is powerful and flexible, supporting literal, regex, and structural searches across multiple languages. By mastering filters (lang:, repo:, type:), you can efficiently navigate large codebases.

Next Steps

• Try saved searches for recurring queries.
• Explore code intelligence (hover tooltips, cross-repo navigation).
• Use Sourcegraph extensions (VS Code, JetBrains).

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific feature? 🚀

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