# Mgrep

> Semantic codebase search using mgrep (mixedbread). Use when exploring the codebase by intent, finding where something is implemented, or when the user asks "where do we X?", "how does Y work?", or similar. Prefer grep/ripgrep for exact symbols, refactors, and regex. Use when this capability is needed.

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

---


# mgrep — semantic search

[mgrep](https://github.com/mixedbread-ai/mgrep) searches by meaning, not exact text. Use it for intent and concept search; use grep/ripgrep for exact matches and symbol tracing.

## When to use

| Use **mgrep** for             | Use **grep/ripgrep** for   |
| ----------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| "Where is auth configured?"   | Exact symbol or identifier |
| "How do we parse chunks?"     | Refactoring, rename        |
| Feature discovery, onboarding | Regex, known patterns      |

## How to run

From the **workspace root**:

```bash
mgrep -c -m 15 "<query>" [path]
```

- `-c` / `--content`: include snippet content (recommended for agent use).
- `-m <n>`: max results (e.g. 15–25).
- Optional `path`: e.g. `src/` or `src/gitUtils`.

Examples:

```bash
mgrep -c -m 15 "where do we set up auth?"
mgrep -c -m 15 "branch checking logic" src/gitUtils
```

## Optional flags

- `--answer` / `-a`: summarized answer from results.
- `--web` / `-w`: include web search (docs, tutorials).
- `--agentic`: break complex questions into sub-queries.
- `--sync` / `-s`: sync store before searching (if index may be stale).

## Using results

Rely on mgrep output (paths and snippets) to answer or edit; do not invent file contents. If needed, read the reported files for full context.

## Setup (if mgrep unavailable)

- Install: `npm install -g @mixedbread/mgrep` (or pnpm/bun).
- Auth: `mgrep login` or set `MXBAI_API_KEY`.
- Index (optional): `mgrep watch` in project root.

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-13 -->