# find-references

> USE THIS PROACTIVELY before modifying any code to check impact! Also use when debugging to trace where something is called from. Much more accurate than Grep - no false positives. Always use before refactoring or deleting code.

- Author: joel_aniol-admin
- Repository: JoelCampoint/claude_lsp
- Version: 20260125221258
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-06
- Source: https://github.com/JoelCampoint/claude_lsp
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@JoelCampoint/claude_lsp~find-references:20260125221258

---

---
name: find-references
description: USE THIS PROACTIVELY before modifying any code to check impact! Also use when debugging to trace where something is called from. Much more accurate than Grep - no false positives. Always use before refactoring or deleting code.
arguments:
  - name: symbol
    description: The symbol name to find references for
    required: true
  - name: file
    description: File where the symbol is defined
    required: false
---

# Find References

Use the LSP `find_references` tool to locate all usages of a symbol.

## Steps

1. Use `mcp__cclsp__find_references` with:
   - `symbol_name`: "{{symbol}}"
   {{#if file}}
   - `file_path`: "{{file}}"
   {{/if}}
   - `include_declaration`: true

2. Group results by file for readability.

3. Show the total count and list locations.

## Example Output

```
Found 7 references to `calculateTotal`:

📁 src/services/OrderService.php
  - Line 45: $total = $this->calculateTotal($items);
  - Line 89: return $this->calculateTotal($cart);

📁 src/controllers/CheckoutController.php
  - Line 23: $order->calculateTotal();

📁 tests/OrderServiceTest.php
  - Line 34: $result = $service->calculateTotal([]);
  - Line 56: $this->assertEquals(100, $service->calculateTotal($items));
```

## Use Cases

- **Before refactoring**: See what will be affected by changes
- **Understanding code**: See how a function is used throughout the project
- **Impact analysis**: Determine if a change is safe

## Fallback

If LSP fails, use Grep but warn about false positives:
```
Grep for "{{symbol}}" may include:
- Comments mentioning the name
- Strings containing the name
- Similar but different symbols
```