# Mgrep Code Search

> Semantic code search using mgrep for efficient codebase exploration. This skill should be used when searching or exploring codebases with more than 30 non-gitignored files and/or nested directory structures. It provides natural language semantic search that complements traditional grep/ripgrep for finding features, understanding intent, and exploring unfamiliar code.

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

---

--|-------------|
| `-m <count>` | Maximum results (default: 10) |
| `-c, --content` | Display full result content |
| `-a, --answer` | Generate AI-powered synthesis of results |
| `-s, --sync` | Update index before searching |
| `--no-rerank` | Disable relevance optimisation |

### Examples with Options

```bash
# Get more results
bunx @mixedbread/mgrep -m 25 "user authentication flow"

# Show full content of matches
bunx @mixedbread/mgrep -c "error handling patterns"

# Get an AI-synthesised answer
bunx @mixedbread/mgrep -a "how does the caching layer work?"

# Sync index before searching
bunx @mixedbread/mgrep -s "payment processing" src/services
```

## Workflow

1. **Start watcher** (once per session or when files change significantly):
   ```bash
   bunx @mixedbread/mgrep watch
   ```

2. **Search semantically**:
   ```bash
   bunx @mixedbread/mgrep "what you're looking for" [optional/path]
   ```

3. **Refine as needed** using path constraints or options:
   ```bash
   bunx @mixedbread/mgrep -m 20 -c "refined query" src/specific/directory
   ```

## Environment Variables

Configure defaults via environment variables:

| Variable | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| `MGREP_MAX_COUNT` | Default result limit |
| `MGREP_CONTENT` | Enable content display (1/true) |
| `MGREP_ANSWER` | Enable AI synthesis (1/true) |
| `MGREP_SYNC` | Pre-search sync (1/true) |

## Important Notes

- Always use `bunx @mixedbread/mgrep` to run commands (not npm/npx or direct installation)
- Run `bunx @mixedbread/mgrep watch` before searching to ensure the index is current
- mgrep respects `.gitignore` patterns automatically
- Create `.mgrepignore` for additional exclusions