What is searchcode?
Searchcode is an AI-powered MCP server that delivers structured code intelligence for large language models. It provides access to code analysis, search, and retrieval capabilities for any public git repository through six specialized tools. The platform transforms raw file reads into pre-computed, structured data, enabling LLMs to focus on reasoning rather than parsing, which dramatically reduces token consumption and associated costs.
Built on a decade of experience indexing over 75 billion lines of code, searchcode leverages battle-tested open-source tools like scc for code counting and complexity analysis, and cs for smart code search. The service offers enterprise deployment options for private codebases and supports integration with various MCP clients and a REST API for flexible usage.
Features
- code_analyze: Provides language breakdowns, complexity metrics, tech stack detection, code quality, and security scanning with subdirectory scoping
- code_search: Full-text code search with boolean queries, regex, and structural filters for declarations, usages, strings, and comments
- code_get_file: Retrieves full files, line ranges, or specific symbols with adjacent declarations for context
- code_get_files: Batch retrieves up to 10 files in a single call for cross-file analysis
- code_file_tree: Directory structure with language, path, and depth filters plus file stats and fuzzy file finding
- code_get_findings: Drills into code quality and security findings filtered by severity and category
Use Cases
- Understand a new codebase in one call without cloning or setup
- Scan for secrets and security issues across any public repository
- Evaluate libraries before integration with tech stack and quality analysis
- Compare projects with real data on complexity, quality, and tech stack
- Evaluate dependencies beyond READMEs to see actual code maintenance
- Conduct due diligence on inherited code during acquisitions or team changes
- Debug dependencies without cloning by searching symbols and retrieving functions
- Provide AI agents with structured code context for better reasoning
- Research how other projects solved similar problems across multiple repos
- Screen candidates through analysis of their public repositories
FAQs
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What is the main benefit of using searchcode for LLMs?
Searchcode reduces LLM token usage by 99% by providing structured, pre-computed code data instead of requiring raw file reads, saving significant API costs. -
Can searchcode analyze private repositories?
Yes, searchcode offers enterprise deployment options that allow analysis of private codebases with SSH key and HTTPS token authentication. -
What programming languages does searchcode support?
Searchcode supports over 300 programming languages through its integration with the scc code counting tool. -
How quickly can I start using searchcode?
Searchcode can be set up in under a minute with no installation or API key required—just add the server URL to your MCP client. -
What happens after the beta period ends?
Paid tiers are planned long-term, but a free tier will likely always be available according to the developers.
