krep – optimized string search utility

krep is an optimized string search utility designed for maximum throughput and efficiency when processing large files and directories. It is built with performance in mind, offering multiple search algorithms and SIMD acceleration when available.

krep is not intended to be a full replacement or direct competitor to feature-rich tools like grep or ripgrep. Instead, it aims to be a minimal, efficient, and pragmatic tool focused on speed and simplicity.

krep provides the essential features needed for fast searching, without the extensive options and complexity of more comprehensive search utilities. Its design philosophy is to deliver the fastest possible search for the most common use cases, with a clean and minimal interface.

This is free and open source software.

Features include:

• Multiple search algorithms: Boyer-Moore-Horspool, KMP, Aho-Corasick for optimal performance across different pattern types.
• Algorithm selection: Automatic smart selection with optional –algo override for fine-tuning.
  SIMD acceleration: Uses SSE4.2, AVX2, or NEON instructions when available for blazing-fast searches.
• Memory-mapped I/O: Maximizes throughput when processing large files.
• Multi-threaded search: Automatically parallelizes searches across available CPU cores.
• Regex support: POSIX Extended Regular Expression searching.
• Multiple pattern search: Efficiently search for multiple patterns simultaneously using Aho-Corasick.
• Recursive directory search: Skip binary files and common non-code directories.
• Gitignore support: Respect .gitignore files during recursive search with –gitignore.
• Stdin pattern input: Read patterns from stdin with -f – for seamless pipeline integration.
• Colored output: Highlights matches for better readability.
• UI/UX refresh: New terminal color palette, clearer -o line index styling, and a redesigned help screen.
• Specialized algorithms: Optimized handling for single-character and short patterns.
• Match Limiting: Stop searching a file after a specific number of matching lines are found.

Website: github.com/davidesantangelo/krep
Support:
Developer: Davide Santangelo
License: BSD 2-Clause “Simplified” License

krep is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Alternatives to grep

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