# Before File Search

> Use BEFORE running grep or glob commands. Reminds you to use codebase-locator agent instead of basic file search tools. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/before-file-search` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/before-file-search`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/before-file-search/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/before-file-search

---


# Before File Search

**STOP**: You're about to use grep or glob.

## Use codebase-locator Instead

The `codebase-locator` agent is specifically designed for finding files and components. It's more efficient and comprehensive than grep/glob.

### Instead of:
```
Grep(pattern="authentication", ...)
Glob(pattern="**/auth*.js")
```

### Do this:
```
Task(
  subagent_type="codebase-locator",
  prompt="Find all authentication-related files",
  description="Locate auth files"
)
```

## When Basic Tools Are OK

Only use grep/glob when:
- User explicitly asks for a simple file listing
- You need to check if a specific file exists
- You're doing a quick verification of a known path

For all exploratory searches, use `codebase-locator`.

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/eveld) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->