cx
Use cx for semantic code navigation before reading whole files. Start narrow and
only expand context when the task requires it.
Core Workflow
Follow this escalation order:
cx overview <path>to understand a file or directory.cx symbolsto discover named symbols.cx definitionorcx referencesto inspect a symbol or its semantic usages.- Read a full file only when semantic navigation cannot answer the question.
Use cx before exploring code, editing a named symbol, refactoring, or resuming
work after context compression. For ambiguous names, find candidates with
cx symbols --name "*partial*", then narrow definition with --from.
Before Running cx
- Use supported source languages or Markdown; do not use cx for YAML, JSON, TOML, binary files, anonymous functions, dynamic dispatch, or non-symbol regions.
- Work inside a git repository, or provide
--root <path>. - Ensure the required language grammar is installed. Run
cx overview .for a first-use probe; its missing-grammar output includes the install command.
cx is read-only. Use normal read and edit tools for changes or for full-file context.
Optional References
Run cx skill references to list expanded guidance, then run
cx skill references <name> to print one reference on demand.
