idx
idx is a free, local search tool for code in Git repositories, available for Linux and macOS.
What idx is
idx is a free, local search tool for code in Git repositories, available for Linux and macOS. It ranks files with BM25 scoring and a filename-match bonus, and supports AND or OR queries, path and file-extension filters, and a relaxation fallback. A background agent tracks file changes to keep the index current, and the search command requires that agent to be running. Files opened with `idx read` receive a ranking boost in later searches. The maker says idx runs without telemetry or cloud indexing and keeps data on the machine. It documents skill installation for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot; in supported AI editor sessions, the skill can intercept grep and rg calls and return ranked, compact results. Installation is available through Homebrew without requiring Go. The maker lists binaries for Darwin and Linux on amd64 and arm64, and identifies the license as BSD 3-Clause. Using idx requires a Git repository.
Good
- Ranks files with BM25 scoring and filename matches.
- Supports path and extension filters.
- Tracks file changes with a background agent.
- Runs locally without telemetry or cloud indexing.
- Homebrew installation does not require Go.
Watch out
- Requires a Git repository.
- Search requires the background agent to be running.
- No regex search, code navigation, or IDE extensions.
Who it suits
idx suits developers who want local, ranked code search in Git repositories, including users of supported AI editor sessions. It may appeal to those who want indexing and search to remain on their machine.
Verdict
idx offers local ranked search with several filters and AI editor integrations, but it depends on a Git repository and a running background agent. It does not include regex search or code navigation.
The facts
Each one read from idx's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI editor integrations
- The maker documents idx skills for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.checked 8 Oct 2026
- AI workflow
- The idx skill intercepts grep and rg calls in supported AI editor sessions and returns ranked, compact results.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Background agent
- A background agent tracks file changes and keeps the index in sync during development.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The releases page says binaries are available for Darwin and Linux on amd64 and arm64.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The maker documents installation via Homebrew and says it works on macOS and Linux without Go.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The releases page lists v0.10.2, dated July 6, 2026.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The maker lists idx under the BSD 3-Clause License.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The maker says idx runs locally with no telemetry, cloud indexing, or data leaving the machine.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Prerequisite
- Using idx requires a Git repository; the maker says no build tools are needed.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says idx runs locally with no telemetry, cloud indexing, or data leaving the machine.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- idx is a local BM25 index for searching code in Git repositories, with ranked results and instant queries.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Ranking
- Search results use BM25 scoring with a filename match bonus.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Read-aware ranking
- Files opened with `idx read` receive a ranking boost in later searches.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Read-aware results
- Files opened with `idx read` receive a ranking boost in future searches.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Release downloads
- The maker says binaries for darwin and linux on amd64 and arm64 are available on GitHub Releases.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Requirement
- Using idx requires a Git repository.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Search filters
- Search supports path and file extension filters, AND and OR queries, and relaxation fallback.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Search limitation
- The search command requires the background agent to be running.checked 8 Oct 2026
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