ast-grep
7.0#3 in code search toolsFree planFree planWebAPIExtensionLinux
Visitast-grep vs GNU GLOBAL
GNU GLOBAL
6.2#12 in code search toolsFree planFree planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | ast-grep | GNU GLOBAL |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution | The CLI is distributed through npm, Cargo, Homebrew, MacPorts, Nix, and pip, and can also be built from source. | The project distributes a source package; binary packages are provided by outside projects. |
| Integrations | The documentation describes editor integrations, including a VS Code extension and language server support for editors such as Vim and Neovim. | The documentation lists use with Emacs, Vi, Less, Bash, web browsers, and Doxygen. |
| Languages | The project says it supports 20+ languages and allows custom languages to be loaded. | The built-in parser supports C, Yacc, Java, PHP, and assembly. |
| Purpose | ast-grep is a fast, polyglot tool for structural code search, linting, and rewriting at scale. | GNU GLOBAL is a source code tagging system for locating objects such as functions, macros, structs, and classes in source files. |
| Support | The project directs users with questions or issues to GitHub or Discord and also points to Stack Overflow and Reddit. | The project directs users seeking help to the [email protected] mailing list. |
ast-grep plans
- ast-grepFree
GNU GLOBAL plans
- GNU GLOBALFree
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 GNU GLOBAL if…
GNU GLOBAL may suit developers working in source trees with many subdirectories who need to find definitions and references across supported languages. It is intended for UNIX (POSIX) environments, with binary packages listed from outside projects for other systems.