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Feature Request: Built-in text/content search across files #2964

@denysshnurenko

Description

@denysshnurenko

Feature Request

Summary:
GitUI currently does not provide a built-in way to search for text or content across files in a repository. Users who want to find a specific string, pattern, or piece of code must leave the GitUI interface and use an external tool (e.g. grep, rg, or their editor's search).

Expected Behavior:
GitUI should include a built-in file content search (similar to grep / ripgrep) that allows users to:

  • Enter a search query (plain text or regex)
  • See matching files and line previews directly within the TUI
  • Navigate to a specific match in context

Why This Matters:
Code review and diff inspection workflows often require looking up where a symbol or string is used across the repository. Having to switch out of GitUI to a separate terminal search breaks the flow and reduces the tool's usefulness as a self-contained Git UI.

Possible Approach:

  • Add a dedicated search panel (e.g. reachable via a keybinding like / or a dedicated shortcut)
  • Internally delegate to git grep or an optional ripgrep/grep backend
  • Display results in a scrollable list with file path, line number, and a snippet of the matching line
  • Allow jumping into the diff/file view from a result

Alternatives Considered:

  • Using git grep manually in a separate terminal — works but requires context switching
  • Using editor search — not available when GitUI is the primary interface

References:

  • Similar feature in other TUI Git clients (e.g. lazygit's filter/search capabilities)

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