Overview

Instead of matching raw source text, ast-grep compares patterns with nodes in a program’s abstract syntax tree. That makes searches less dependent on formatting and gives refactors a way to target code shape rather than a particular string. Its CLI can preview and apply changes interactively, and the project describes parallel Rust processing for searches and replacements across thousands of files.

The scope is deliberately practical: structural search, linting, and rewriting, not every kind of program analysis. The FAQ says some advanced static-analysis information is not supported, so ast-grep is a poor sole choice for rules that need that context.

Key features

Search, rewrite, and lint

Pattern search works against syntax-tree nodes, while the CLI’s interactive rewrite mode lets developers review matching changes before applying them. This is useful for broad, repeatable refactors where a text replacement could be too blunt. The scan command runs configurable AST-pattern rules with error, warning, info, and hint severities, making it suitable for code-shape checks that teams want surfaced as lint findings.

Rules and testing

YAML rules can combine pattern, node-kind, regex, relational, and composite conditions. That gives a rule author several ways to narrow a match without building a separate tool for each check. CLI commands support creating and testing rules, including snapshot-based tests, which makes a growing rule set easier to validate before it becomes part of a workflow.

Language and editor coverage

The project supports more than 20 languages and can load custom languages, but a single rule cannot target multiple languages at once. The FAQ points to a superset language with languageGlobs or separate per-language rules as workarounds; either adds setup when a policy needs to cover several syntaxes.

The official VS Code extension provides a CLI interface and language-server client. The server publishes diagnostics and code actions, though lint diagnostics require an sgconfig.yml project file. Documentation also covers Vim, Neovim, and Emacs setups, with community integrations for coc.nvim, Telescope, and grug-far.nvim.

APIs and access

A JavaScript API lets programs inspect and change syntax trees, and a WebAssembly API supports browsers and other WASM environments. The browser playground offers a way to try patterns and rewrite rules without installing the CLI. Distribution through npm, Cargo, Homebrew, MacPorts, Nix, and pip, as well as source builds, gives developers multiple routes to add the CLI to existing environments.

The example catalog includes security rules such as checks for a Go JSON tag vulnerability and C/C++ format-string risks. These examples show a use for structural matching in security checks, but they do not remove the stated limits on advanced analysis.

Pricing

ast-grep is free and open source, with the ast-grep plan at 0.00 USD per free. There is no free trial because there is no paid tier to trial. The project’s open-source model makes it a straightforward option for individual developers and teams that can use its codebase-focused, self-hosted workflow without a subscription.

Platforms

ast-grep is listed for API, extension, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The CLI distribution channels and editor support make it usable in development workflows across those environments; the web playground and WebAssembly API cover browser-oriented use.

Who it's for

Choose ast-grep when a team needs structural search and repeatable rewrites, wants custom lint rules with explicit severity levels, or plans to integrate syntax-tree operations into JavaScript or WASM software. It also suits developers who prefer to run code search locally and build rules around their own repositories.

Look elsewhere or pair it with a deeper analysis tool when checks require advanced static-analysis information. For policies that must apply across languages, be prepared to maintain separate rules or configure a superset-language approach.

Pros and cons

Structural matching: Targets syntax-tree nodes, so searches and rewrites can focus on code shape instead of exact source text.
Flexible rule authoring: YAML rules support multiple matching conditions, and CLI rule tests include snapshot options.
Broad integration choices: Editor support, JavaScript and WebAssembly APIs, a playground, and several CLI package channels offer different ways into a workflow.
Analysis boundary: Some advanced static-analysis information is unsupported, limiting rules that need more than syntax-level context.
Per-language rule work: A rule cannot target multiple languages at once, which can increase maintenance for polyglot codebases.

Alternatives

For other options, browse Code Search Tools and Code Refactoring Tools.

Chromium is a free, open-source option for readers looking for software across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Sourcebot is worth considering for readers who want a freemium, web-based or self-hosted code-search option with a free plan and trial.
sqry is another free, locally run, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Chatterbox TTS is a free, open-source-model option for Linux or self-hosted use.
Code Fundi may suit readers seeking a freemium option with a paid Dev plan at 21.00 USD per month.
Code Search offers a free Community plan with unlimited users, full-text search, repository find-and-replace, a CLI, and MCP server.
LXR Cross Referencer is a free, open-source project for self-installed Linux, web, or self-hosted use.
OpenGrok is a free, open-source project for readers who want an option spanning API, desktop, web, and self-hosted platforms.

Verdict

ast-grep is an easy recommendation for developers who need free, scriptable structural search, linting, and refactoring across a codebase. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of configurable AST rules and interactive rewrites; its clearest reason to look elsewhere is a need for advanced analysis or a single rule set that directly spans multiple languages.

	ast-grep	Zoekt
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, extension, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	api, self-hosted, Web
Indexing scope	codebase	codebase
Deployment	self_hosted	self_hosted
Regex search	Yes	Yes
Code navigation	Yes	Yes
IDE extensions	Yes	—

ast-grep vs Zoekt

ast-grep

Zoekt