# Serena Navigator

> This skill should be used when the user asks to "navigate code efficiently", "find function definition", "understand file structure", "explore codebase", "get symbols overview", "find symbol usages", or mentions Serena's LSP tools like get_symbols_overview, find_symbol, find_referencing_symbols.

- Skill: `anilcancakir/serena-navigator` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add anilcancakir/serena-navigator`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/anilcancakir/serena-navigator/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Integrations & APIs
- Author: anilcancakir (https://skillmd.com/u/anilcancakir)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/anilcancakir/serena-navigator

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# Serena Semantic Navigation

## Token-Efficient Reading Pattern

Instead of reading entire files:

1. **Get overview first**: `get_symbols_overview(file)` - See all functions/classes
2. **Locate specific symbol**: `find_symbol(name)` - Get exact location
3. **Read targeted section**: `read_file(path, start_line, end_line)` - Only what's needed

This pattern saves 90%+ tokens on large files.

## Tool Selection Guide

| Task | Tool |
|------|------|
| See file structure | `get_symbols_overview(file_path)` |
| Find definition | `find_symbol(name)` |
| Find all usages | `find_referencing_symbols(symbol_name)` |
| Search text/comments | `search_for_pattern(pattern)` |

## Example Workflow: Understanding Code

```
1. get_symbols_overview("src/services/payment.py")
   → See PaymentProcessor class with all methods

2. find_symbol("process_payment")
   → Get exact location and signature

3. find_referencing_symbols("process_payment")
   → Find all call sites

4. read_file("src/services/payment.py", start_line=45, end_line=80)
   → Read only the relevant method
```

## When to Use Text Search

Use `search_for_pattern` for:
- String literals and comments
- Configuration values
- Non-code patterns

## Memory Integration

Check existing project knowledge:
```
list_memories()
read_memory("architecture_overview")
```

Save discoveries:
```
write_memory(key="architecture_overview", content="...")
```