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find

Pass every salient identifier from a task to locate files ranked by distinct-term coverage, with inline previews of symbols and clustered rare terms for quick answers.

Instructions

Locate the files relevant to a task. Pass query = EVERY salient identifier from the task (symbol names, domain nouns, the rare token you half-remember) — not one distilled keyword. Recall is bounded by the terms you give: a one-token query cannot out-rank lookalikes, so over-supply rather than under-supply. Reach for find BEFORE Read/Grep/Glob.

HOW IT WORKS: find greps every term across the repo body AND matches declared names (filenames, path segments, exported symbols), then ranks files by DISTINCT-TERM COVERAGE — the file that covers MORE of your query rises above its lookalikes. This catches body-level matches (nested defs, dynamic refs, string literals) that a declared-name index misses.

OUTPUT: a ranked page. Top files get an inline preview — their indexed symbols (with line ranges) plus the body lines where your rare terms CLUSTER (def/class/assignment lines first), so you often answer WITHOUT a follow-up Read. Lower-ranked files list as bare paths. Prose/doc and stylesheet matches are partitioned into secondary lists so they do not crowd out source. Related files (sharing a rare identifier with a top hit, no import edge between them) are surfaced as first-class neighbors.

NAMING: case- and separator-insensitive (LoadStagingload_staging). It does NOT expand synonyms or plurals for you — that is your job: if the concept could be named two ways, pass both tokens.

AFTER THE RESULT:

  1. A path + its inline symbols/preview answer the question → done, no Read needed.

  2. Path looks right but you need shape/usage → gs on it (symbols + imports + per-symbol callers + importers in one shot).

  3. "no indexed file contains any of [...]" → those identifiers do not exist in the repo; reformulate or grep for a phrase/regex find cannot index. Do not grep spelling variants of a token find already reported absent.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYesSpace-separated identifiers for the thing you are looking for — pass every salient token from the task, not one keyword. camelCase/snake_case both accepted. More discriminating tokens = sharper ranking.
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description fully describes behavior: how it greps body and declared names, ranking by distinct-term coverage, output format (inline preview vs bare paths), partitioning of prose/stylesheets, and naming insensitivity. No contradictions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is thorough and well-structured with sections (HOW IT WORKS, OUTPUT, NAMING, AFTER THE RESULT). It is slightly verbose but every sentence adds value, and the key points are front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity of the tool and lack of output schema, the description is exceptionally complete, covering input, mechanism, output format, naming conventions, synonyms, and post-result instructions. No gaps remain.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% for the single parameter, but the description adds significant value beyond the schema by explaining effective query construction (pass all salient identifiers, more tokens = sharper ranking) and the underlying search mechanism.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Locate the files relevant to a task.' It uses a specific verb and resource, and explicitly distinguishes from siblings by advising 'Reach for find BEFORE Read/Grep/Glob.'

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides explicit usage guidance: pass all salient identifiers, not one keyword; explains when to use (before Read/Grep/Glob) and when not to (do not grep spelling variants of absent tokens). Also includes post-result actions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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