# search

The `search` function performs a **predicate-based recursive search** of the document tree.\
It allows you to find nodes that match specific conditions, not just by key name.

This makes `search` a more flexible and powerful alternative to the `..` operator, which is shorthand for simple recursive key or index lookups.

***

### Syntax

```
search(PREDICATE)
```

Where `PREDICATE` is a function that tests each node and returns true/false.

***

### Behaviour

* Traverses the entire document tree, starting at the current node.
* Applies the given predicate to every node (objects, arrays, scalars).
* Returns all nodes that satisfy the predicate.
* Unlike `..`, `search` is not limited to key names or indices — it supports arbitrary conditions.

***

### Predicates

Commonly used predicate functions include:

* `has("KEY")` — true if the node has the given key.
* `$this == VALUE` — true if the node equals `VALUE` .

> 📌 Check the functions documentation for a full list.

***

### Examples

#### Example Input

```json
{
  "users": [
    { "id": 1, "name": "Alice" },
    { "id": 2, "name": "Bob" }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "active": true,
    "score": 42
  }
}
```

***

#### 1. Search for Nodes with a Key

Find all nodes that contain a `name` field:

```bash
echo '{"users":[{"id":1,"name":"Alice"},{"id":2,"name":"Bob"}],"meta":{"active":true,"score":42}}' | dasel -i json 'search(has("name"))'
```

Output:

```json
[
    {
        "id": 1,
        "name": "Alice"
    },
    {
        "id": 2,
        "name": "Bob"
    }
]
```

***

#### 2. Search for Specific Values

Find all nodes where the value equals `42`:

```bash
echo '{"users":[{"id":1,"name":"Alice"},{"id":2,"name":"Bob"}],"meta":{"active":true,"score":42}}' | dasel -i json 'search($this == 42)'
```

Output:

```json
[
    42
]
```

***

#### 3. Combining Predicates

Find all nodes that have both `id` and `name` keys:

```bash
echo '{"users":[{"id":1,"name":"Alice"},{"id":2,"name":"Bob"}],"meta":{"active":true,"score":42}}' | dasel -i json 'search(has("id") && has("name"))'
```

Output:

```json
[
    {
        "id": 1,
        "name": "Alice"
    },
    {
        "id": 2,
        "name": "Bob"
    }
]
```

***

### Comparison to `..`

* `..` is shorthand for recursive key/index lookups:
  * `..name` ≈ `search(has("name"))`
  * `..[0]` ≈ `search(has(0))`
* `search` allows **arbitrary logic**, making it more powerful but also more verbose.

***

### Notes

* `search` is ideal when you need **fine-grained control** over what you’re looking for.
* Use the recursive descent operator (`..`) for **simple lookups** by key or index.
* Both operators traverse the document tree recursively — the difference is **specificity vs flexibility**.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://daseldocs.tomwright.me/functions/search.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.