How is ast-grep different from standard grep?

Unlike grep which uses text-based regex, ast-grep understands the code's structure (AST), allowing it to match patterns regardless of whitespace, variable names, or formatting.

Which programming languages are supported by this skill?

This skill provides specific patterns and guidance for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, and Rust, though ast-grep itself supports a wide range of popular languages.

What are metavariables in ast-grep?

Metavariables like $NAME capture exactly one AST node, while $$$NAME captures zero or more nodes, allowing you to create flexible templates for matching complex code signatures.

Can I use this skill to refactor code automatically?

Yes, the skill includes syntax for search-and-replace operations using metavariables, enabling safe, structural, and automated code transformations across your entire project.

AST-Grep Structural Search

Name: AST-Grep Structural Search
Author: pbdeuchler

bypbdeuchler

0•

Developer Tools

Enables precise structural code searching and automated refactoring using AST-based pattern matching across multiple programming languages.

The AST-Grep Structural Search skill empowers Claude to perform code searches and transformations based on Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) patterns rather than simple text strings. This approach allows for highly accurate matching that ignores whitespace and formatting differences, making it ideal for large-scale migrations, identifying anti-patterns, and performing complex code rewrites. By providing domain-specific knowledge of ast-grep's CLI syntax and metavariable patterns, this skill ensures reliable codebase analysis and refactoring for languages including JavaScript, Python, Go, and Rust.

Key Features

01Advanced filtering using YAML-based rules for complex logic

02Metavariable support for capturing specific code nodes and variadic arguments

030 GitHub stars

04Language-specific patterns for JS/TS, Python, Go, and Rust

05Interactive and automated code rewriting for large-scale refactors

06Structural pattern matching that ignores whitespace and formatting

Use Cases

01Performing precise code transformations where variable names differ but structure remains identical

02Migrating deprecated API calls or library patterns across large repositories

03Detecting structural anti-patterns such as await calls inside loops

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add pbdeuchler/llm-plugins howto-ast-grep

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill