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Better Faster Search

A better and faster search extension for Visual Studio Code that enhances code navigation and search capabilities with JetBrains-style interface.

TypeScript VSCode Extension Node.js globify-gitignore
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Better Faster Search

Note: This is an obsolete project since VSCode implemented a search system like Sublime Text. I'm keeping it here for reference.

A faster and more efficient search extension for Visual Studio Code that enhances your code navigation and search capabilities with a JetBrains-inspired interface.

What It Does

Replaces VSCode’s default search functionality with a more intuitive and faster search experience. Perfect for developers who want JetBrains-style search capabilities in Visual Studio Code.

Key Features

Enhanced Search Performance

  • Faster Results - Optimized search algorithms for quicker file scanning
  • Smart Filtering - Advanced filtering options to narrow down search results
  • Gitignore Integration - Automatically respects .gitignore patterns
  • Real-time Search - Instant results as you type

JetBrains-Style Interface

  • Familiar UI - Interface inspired by IntelliJ IDEA and other JetBrains IDEs
  • Better Organization - Cleaner result presentation
  • Advanced Options - More search configuration options
  • Keyboard-Friendly - Optimized for keyboard navigation

Smart Search Capabilities

  • Context-Aware - Understands your project structure
  • Pattern Matching - Supports regex and glob patterns
  • File Type Filtering - Search within specific file types
  • Scope Control - Search in current file, folder, or entire project

Technology Stack

  • TypeScript - Core extension development
  • VSCode Extension API - Search providers and UI integration
  • globify-gitignore - Gitignore pattern matching
  • Node.js - File system operations and search algorithms

How It Works

  1. Activation - Use Shift+Cmd+F (or your custom keybinding)
  2. Search Interface - Opens improved search panel
  3. Smart Results - Real-time, filtered search results
  4. Quick Navigation - Jump to results with keyboard shortcuts

The extension integrates seamlessly with VSCode while providing a superior search experience.

Perfect For

  • JetBrains Users - Familiar search interface for IntelliJ/WebStorm users
  • Large Projects - Efficient searching in codebases with thousands of files
  • Power Users - Developers who rely heavily on search functionality
  • Team Development - Consistent search experience across team members

Installation

  1. Open Visual Studio Code
  2. Go to Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
  3. Search for “Better Faster Search”
  4. Click Install

Usage

  1. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
  2. Type “Find in Project (BetterSearch)”
  3. Or use the default keybinding: Shift+Cmd+F
  4. Enter your search query and enjoy faster results

Requirements

  • Visual Studio Code v1.87.0 or higher

Current Status

  • ✅ Production-ready with enhanced search capabilities
  • ✅ JetBrains-style interface implementation
  • ✅ Gitignore integration and smart filtering
  • 🔄 Continuous performance optimizations

This extension bridges the gap between VSCode and JetBrains IDEs, bringing familiar and efficient search capabilities to Visual Studio Code users.