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idx

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What idx is

idx is a local search tool for code in Git repositories, designed to return ranked results from a codebase. It uses BM25 scoring and gives files an additional boost when their names match the query. Searches can use AND or OR logic, filter by path or file extension, and fall back to a relaxed search. A background agent tracks file changes to keep the index in sync, and the search command requires that agent to be running. Files opened with `idx read` receive a higher ranking in later searches.

The maker says idx works locally, with no telemetry or cloud indexing and no data leaving the machine. It documents skill installation for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot; in supported AI editor sessions, the skill intercepts grep and rg calls and returns compact, ranked results. idx is free, self-hosted, and identified on its site as BSD 3-Clause licensed. It runs on Linux and macOS and requires a Git repository. Homebrew installation is available for both platforms without a Go installation, and release binaries are offered for Darwin and Linux on amd64 and arm64. idx does not provide regex search, code navigation, or IDE extensions.

Who it suits

idx suits developers who want local, ranked search across a Git repository, including people using supported AI editor sessions. It is for Linux or macOS users who can keep its background agent running while searching.

What it does well

  • Ranks matching files with BM25 and a filename bonus.
  • Supports AND and OR queries plus path and extension filters.
  • Tracks repository changes with a background agent.
  • Promotes files opened with `idx read` in later searches.
  • Runs locally without telemetry or cloud indexing, according to its maker.

What to know first

  • Requires a Git repository and a running background agent for search.
  • Does not provide regex search or code navigation.
  • Does not provide IDE extensions.

Getting started

  1. Visit https://idx.cool/.
  2. Use a Linux or macOS system with a Git repository.
  3. Install through Homebrew, or obtain a Darwin or Linux binary for amd64 or arm64 from GitHub Releases.
  4. Run the background agent so the search command can work.
  5. Optionally install the documented skill for Claude Code, Cursor, or GitHub Copilot.

Verdict

Choose idx if you want free, local search for a Git repository and value ranked results, query filters, or the documented AI editor workflow. Look elsewhere if regex search, code navigation, or IDE extensions are requirements.

Questions

How much does idx cost?

idx is free.

Which platforms does idx support?

It runs on Linux and macOS, with release binaries for Darwin and Linux on amd64 and arm64.

Does idx require a Git repository?

Yes. Using idx requires a Git repository.

Does idx work offline?

The maker says idx runs locally, without telemetry or cloud indexing, and that data does not leave the machine.

Is idx open source?

Its site identifies idx as BSD 3-Clause licensed.

Which AI editors are supported?

The maker documents skill installation for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.

Facts from idx's own pages

AI editor integrations
The maker documents idx skills for Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
AI workflow
The idx skill intercepts grep and rg calls in supported AI editor sessions and returns ranked, compact results. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Background agent
A background agent tracks file changes and keeps the index in sync during development. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Distribution
The releases page says binaries are available for Darwin and Linux on amd64 and arm64. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Installation
The maker documents installation via Homebrew and says it works on macOS and Linux without Go. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Latest listed release
The releases page lists v0.10.2, dated July 6, 2026. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
License
The maker lists idx under the BSD 3-Clause License. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Offline use
The maker says idx runs locally with no telemetry, cloud indexing, or data leaving the machine. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Prerequisite
Using idx requires a Git repository; the maker says no build tools are needed. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Privacy
The maker says idx runs locally with no telemetry, cloud indexing, or data leaving the machine. · idx.cool, 7 Oct 2026
Product
idx is a local BM25 index for searching code in Git repositories, with ranked results and instant queries. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Ranking
Search results use BM25 scoring with a filename match bonus. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Read-aware ranking
Files opened with `idx read` receive a ranking boost in later searches. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Read-aware results
Files opened with `idx read` receive a ranking boost in future searches. · idx.cool, 7 Oct 2026
Release downloads
The maker says binaries for darwin and linux on amd64 and arm64 are available on GitHub Releases. · idx.cool, 7 Oct 2026
Requirement
Using idx requires a Git repository. · idx.cool, 7 Oct 2026
Search filters
Search supports path and file extension filters, AND and OR queries, and relaxation fallback. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026
Search limitation
The search command requires the background agent to be running. · idx.cool, 8 Oct 2026

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