Universal MCP server for intelligent code search across any programming language
Code Search MCP
Universal MCP server for intelligent code search across any programming languageOverview
Code Search MCP is a high-performance Model Context Protocol server that enables LLMs to intelligently search and analyze codebases across 12 programming languages with comprehensive AST search support for 15 languages. Built on our universal-ctags wrapper, ripgrep, and ast-grep, it provides fast symbol search, structural AST pattern matching, text search, file search, and dependency analysis with persistent caching for 80%+ faster startup times.
Core Features
| Feature | Description | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol Search | Find classes, functions, methods, and variables with intelligent filtering | Fast (indexed) |
| AST Search | Structural code search using Abstract Syntax Trees with metavariables and relational rules | Fast |
| Text Search | Regex-powered code search using ripgrep | Very Fast |
| File Search | Locate files by name, pattern, or extension with glob support | Very Fast |
| Stack Detection | Automatically detect technology stacks and frameworks in projects | Fast |
| Dependency Analysis | Analyze project dependencies across multiple ecosystems | Fast |
| Index Caching | Persistent symbol indices with automatic invalidation | 80%+ faster startup |
Language Support
Code Search MCP supports 12 programming languages with full symbol indexing and intelligent search capabilities.
| Language | Symbol Search | Text Search | Dependency Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| JavaScript | Full | Full | Full (npm) |
| TypeScript | Full | Full | Full (npm) |
| Python | Full | Full | Full (pip) |
| Java | Full | Full | Full (Maven/Gradle) |
| C# | Full | Full | Full (NuGet) |
| Go | Full | Limited | Full (go.mod) |
| Rust | Full | Limited | Full (Cargo) |
| C / C++ | Full | Limited | Limited |
| PHP | Full | Limited | Full (Composer) |
| Ruby | Full | Limited | Full (Bundler) |
| Kotlin | Full | Limited | Full (Gradle) |
MCP Tools
The server exposes the following tools through the Model Context Protocol interface.
| Tool | Description | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
search_symbols |
Search for code symbols with filters | path, language, name, match, kinds, scope |
search_text |
Search code using regex patterns | path, pattern, language, case_insensitive, literal, limit, paths |
search_files |
Find files by name, pattern, or extension | path, pattern, name, extension, directory |
detect_stacks |
Detect technology stacks in a directory | path, scan_mode (fast/thorough) |
analyze_dependencies |
Analyze project dependencies | path, include_transitive, check_outdated |
refresh_index |
Rebuild the symbol index | path, force_rebuild |
Tools (6)search_symbolsSearch for code symbols with filterssearch_textSearch code using regex patternssearch_filesFind files by name, pattern, or extensiondetect_stacksDetect technology stacks in a directoryanalyze_dependenciesAnalyze project dependenciesrefresh_indexRebuild the symbol indexConfigurationclaude_desktop_config.json {"mcpServers": {"code-search": {"command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@llmtooling/code-search-mcp"]}}}Try it→Find the definition of the 'User' class in my project. →Search for all occurrences of the regex pattern 'TODO:' in the src directory. →Detect the technology stack and frameworks used in this repository. →List all outdated dependencies in my project. →Find all files ending in .test.ts in the current directory. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the key features of Code Search MCP?High-performance symbol search for classes, functions, and variables. Structural AST pattern matching with metavariables. Regex-powered text search using ripgrep. Automated technology stack and framework detection. Persistent symbol indexing for 80%+ faster startup times. What can I use Code Search MCP for?Quickly navigating large codebases by searching for specific symbols or definitions. Performing structural code refactoring analysis using AST patterns. Auditing project dependencies for outdated packages across different ecosystems. Identifying the technology stack of an unfamiliar project during onboarding. How do I install Code Search MCP? Install Code Search MCP by running: What MCP clients work with Code Search MCP?Code Search MCP works with any MCP-compatible client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, and other editors with MCP support. Turn this server into reusable contextKeep Code Search MCP docs, env vars, and workflow notes in Conare so your agent carries them across sessions. Need the old visual installer? Open Conare IDE. |