idx
idx: A focused, open-source search tool for developers who want local relevance ranking. Ranked #31 of 42 in Code Search Tools by our editors (5.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for local developers wanting relevance-ranked search.
At a glance
- Editor score5.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLocal developers wanting relevance-ranked search
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- DeploymentSelf_hosted
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- BM25 ranking prioritizes results by relevance
- Local indexing and background synchronization keep repositories searchable
- AI-editor skills support Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot
Where it doesn't
- Runs on macOS and Linux only
- Does not provide regex search or code navigation
- No IDE extensions; symbol-aware search is planned
Our verdict on idx
idx is an open-source command-line code-search tool for Git repositories, designed for developers who want searchable codebases kept on their own machines. It builds local inverted indexes, ranks matches with BM25, and supports path and file-extension filters. The tool is aimed at local development workflows rather than teams seeking a hosted search service or a full code-navigation environment. It runs on macOS and Linux and is distributed through Homebrew and binary releases.
Its strongest fit is relevance-focused retrieval. AND, OR, and relaxed query modes give developers several ways to balance precision and recall, while JSON and compact output modes make results suitable for scripts and AI-assisted workflows. A background agent synchronizes the index as files change, and a read-aware ranking boost can prioritize code based on reading context. idx also supports skill installation for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot, extending its use into AI-editor workflows without moving indexing to the cloud.
The trade-off is a deliberately narrow scope. idx focuses on indexed text retrieval rather than broader code intelligence: it does not provide regex search, code navigation, or IDE extensions, and symbol-aware search is planned rather than currently shipped. Its self-hosted, local design suits developers who value repository-local search, compact machine-readable output, and control over indexing. Developers who need editor-native navigation, symbol understanding, or regex-based matching should choose a tool built around those capabilities instead.
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idx pricing
idx fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Indexing scope | Codebase |
| Deployment | Self_hosted |
| Supported languages | Not verified |
| Regex search | No |
| Code navigation | No |
| IDE extensions | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | idx.cool |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
idx integrations
idx lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Claude Code
- Cursor
- GitHub Copilot
Alternatives to idx
- 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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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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