ack
ack: A free, portable source search tool for Perl-regex workflows in local code trees. Ranked #29 of 42 in Code Search Tools by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for perl-regex source search from the command line.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPerl-regex source search from the command line
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Searches directory trees recursively with Perl regular expressions
- Filters by built-in or custom file types and skips selected files by default
- Shows context and match counts, with case and whole-word options
Where it doesn't
- Text-oriented search; it does not provide code navigation
- Command-line focused, with no IDE extensions
- Requires Perl 5.10.1 or higher
Our verdict on ack
ack is a free, open-source command-line tool for programmers who need to search source files across local directory trees. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is suited to solo developers through enterprise teams that prefer a text-oriented search workflow. Its focus is direct: recursive search, file selection, and control over how matches are displayed, rather than navigation through code structures.
Its search controls are the main reason to consider it. ack uses Perl regular expressions and can filter by file type, including custom types. It skips selected version-control and backup files by default, and offers options for case-insensitive, smart-case, and whole-word matching. Context lines and match counts help make results easier to interpret, while options to list matching files or show files that would be searched can narrow the scope before reading file contents. Configurable ackrc files let users keep settings consistent across searches.
The trade-off is its narrow scope. ack searches text in a codebase but does not offer code navigation or IDE extensions, so developers seeking an editor-integrated workflow should choose a tool built around those capabilities instead. It requires Perl 5.10.1 or higher and is designed for local command-line use. Support is through community resources and documentation. Choose ack if Perl-regex searching, file-type filters, and command-line control fit the way you work; look elsewhere if you need structural navigation or an IDE-centered experience.
Your product? Our editors can test ack in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
ack pricing
ack fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Indexing scope | Codebase |
| Deployment | Not verified |
| Supported languages | Not verified |
| Regex search | Yes |
| Code navigation | No |
| IDE extensions | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | beyondgrep.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ack
- Android Code SearchA free, focused browser for searching and navigating AOSP source.9.3
- LXR Cross ReferencerA focused open-source browser for navigating indexed code across versions and repositories.9.2
- GNU GLOBALA focused, open-source navigator for symbols across C-family codebases.9.0
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ack is listed in our Code Search Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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