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Feature Request: Built-in text/content search across files #2964
Summary:
GitUI currently does not provide a built-in way to search for text or content across files in a repository. Users who want to find a specific string, pattern, or piece of code must leave the GitUI interface and use an external tool (e.g. grep, rg, or their editor's search).
Expected Behavior:
GitUI should include a built-in file content search (similar to grep / ripgrep) that allows users to:
Enter a search query (plain text or regex)
See matching files and line previews directly within the TUI
Navigate to a specific match in context
Why This Matters:
Code review and diff inspection workflows often require looking up where a symbol or string is used across the repository. Having to switch out of GitUI to a separate terminal search breaks the flow and reduces the tool's usefulness as a self-contained Git UI.
Possible Approach:
Add a dedicated search panel (e.g. reachable via a keybinding like / or a dedicated shortcut)
Internally delegate to git grep or an optional ripgrep/grep backend
Display results in a scrollable list with file path, line number, and a snippet of the matching line
Allow jumping into the diff/file view from a result
Alternatives Considered:
Using git grep manually in a separate terminal — works but requires context switching
Using editor search — not available when GitUI is the primary interface
References:
Similar feature in other TUI Git clients (e.g. lazygit's filter/search capabilities)
Activity