ast-grep
7.0#3 in code search toolsFree planFree planWebAPIExtensionLinux
Visitast-grep vs Comby
What both publish
| Fact | ast-grep | Comby |
|---|---|---|
| Language support | The site says ast-grep supports 20+ programming languages and can load custom languages. | Comby has basic parsers for languages including C/C++, C#, Go, Java, JavaScript, Python, Rust, Swift, and TypeScript, plus a generic matcher for other formats and languages. |
| Notable limitation | A rule cannot target multiple languages at once; the FAQ recommends a superset language with languageGlobs or separate rules for each language. | Comby does not currently treat indentation as significant, which limits support for matching indentation-sensitive structures such as Python blocks. |
| Purpose | ast-grep is a fast, polyglot tool for structural code search, linting, and rewriting at scale. | Comby is a tool for searching and changing code structure using lightweight templates. |
| Support | The project directs users with questions or issues to GitHub or Discord and also points to Stack Overflow and Reddit. | The help page directs users to the Gitter channel for usage questions and pattern-writing help, and to GitHub issues for installation problems. |
ast-grep plans
- ast-grepFree
Comby plans
No prices published.
Pick ast-grep if…
It suits developers who need syntax-aware search, linting, or bulk code changes across supported languages. Teams wanting advanced static-analysis information or one rule spanning multiple languages should note its stated limits.
Pick Comby if…
Comby suits developers making structural code searches or coarse refactors across supported languages. It may also suit people exploring uses such as compiler fuzzing, test case reduction, editor find and replace, or academic research.