Smart Explore: AST-Based Code Navigation

Use these tools when available (requires claude-mem plugin). Fall back to Read/Grep/Glob if unavailable.

When to Use Which

Progressive Disclosure Workflow

1. Outline first: smart_outline shows every function/class/interface with bodies collapsed
2. Search if needed: smart_search finds symbols across files by concept
3. Unfold targeted: smart_unfold extracts exact function source by AST node — never truncates
4. Read only if needed: Fall back to Read for files where AST parsing isn't useful

Key Advantages

• AST-based extraction guarantees complete function bodies (no truncation)
• Structural views show all symbols without reading full file content
• Predictable cost: 1 tool call per operation, consistent token ranges
• Composable: outline → search → unfold chain naturally