# Finding Files

> Locates files by naming, structure, and imports. Load for read-only discovery when exact paths are unknown.

- Skill: `bostonaholic/finding-files` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add bostonaholic/finding-files`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/bostonaholic/finding-files/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- Author: bostonaholic (https://skillmd.com/u/bostonaholic)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/bostonaholic/finding-files

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# Finding Files

Given `2-questions.md` codebase scope and vocabulary, find every relevant file. In multi-repo mode from `4-repos.md`, repeat each strategy in every listed repo and namespace results by slug.

## Search Strategy

Use these in order, broad to narrow:

1. **Glob by naming convention.** Search vocabulary terms such as `**/*auth*` and `**/*billing*`; try singular/plural. Run against each repo's absolute path.
2. **Content search.** Grep vocabulary, functions, classes, errors, synonyms, and related concepts.
3. **Import/dependency tracing.** Follow imports and reverse dependencies from every relevant file. Record cross-repo imports in `## Notes`.
4. **Directory exploration.** Inspect siblings for tests, configuration, and related modules.
5. **Config and manifests.** Inspect package manifests, build configuration, and entry points referencing the area.

## Search rules

- Prefer a confirmed extra file over a missed relevant file.
- Try at least three search terms per concept before stopping that direction.
- Never guess paths; report only confirmed files.
- Use one factual, non-speculative line per file.
- In large codebases, prioritize the `2-questions.md` scope and report unsearched areas.