Serena MCP Tool Patterns

Core Tools

Symbol Operations

• get_symbols_overview - Get high-level view of file symbols (start with depth=0, increase if needed)
• find_symbol - Find by name path (e.g., "MyClass/myMethod"), use substring_matching for partial names
• find_referencing_symbols - Find all references for dependency/impact analysis
• search_for_pattern - Regex search; use restrict_search_to_code_files and relative_path to scope

Editing Operations

• replace_symbol_body - Replace entire symbol definition
• insert_before_symbol / insert_after_symbol - Add imports, decorators, new functions
• rename_symbol - Rename across codebase with automatic reference updates

Memory Operations

• list_memories - Check existing patterns before implementation
• read_memory - Load project patterns (e.g., "nix-conventions")
• write_memory - Record new patterns for future reference
• edit_memory - Update specific parts using literal or regex mode
• delete_memory - Remove obsolete patterns (user request only)

Reflection Tools (call after searches/before changes)

• think_about_collected_information - After non-trivial search sequences
• think_about_task_adherence - Before making code changes
• think_about_whether_you_are_done - When task appears complete

Key Patterns

File Exploration

1. get_symbols_overview depth=0 - top-level structure
2. get_symbols_overview depth=1 - class members
3. find_symbol include_body=true - specific implementation

Dependency Tracing

1. find_symbol - locate the symbol
2. find_referencing_symbols - find all callers
3. Repeat for full dependency graph

Memory Workflow

1. list_memories before implementation
2. read_memory for relevant patterns
3. write_memory after discovering new conventions

Critical Rules

• Always check memories before implementing new features
• Use symbol operations over reading entire files
• Restrict searches by relative_path when scope is known
• Use rename_symbol for consistent renaming (not manual updates)