vscode-symbol-tools

name: vscode-symbol-tools description: Prefer semantic symbol tools for precise navigation and refactoring. Use vscode_listCodeUsages and vscode_renameSymbol instead of grep-style text search when changing code symbols.

Skill: vscode-symbol-tools

When to apply

• User asks to rename a function, variable, class, method, or type.
• User asks where a symbol is used, referenced, or implemented.
• Refactoring needs high precision across files.

Tool policy

• First choice for usages: vscode_listCodeUsages.
• First choice for rename: vscode_renameSymbol.
• Do not use grep/text search for symbol refactors unless the symbol tool is unavailable.

Required workflow

1. Locate one real occurrence of the symbol in a file.
2. Use vscode_listCodeUsages to inspect impact before edits.
3. Use vscode_renameSymbol to apply semantic rename.
4. Run tests/lint relevant to changed scope when available.

Example requests

• Use vscode_renameSymbol and rename fib to fibonacci.
• Use vscode_listCodeUsages to find all references of thermalConductivity.

Notes

• Symbol tools depend on language server support.
• If rename cannot be resolved semantically, report why and fall back carefully.