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Filtering Lines with `grep` in Helix Editor

#productivity #tooling #tutorial #helix

Helix Editor is built for users who value precision, speed, and deep integration with UNIX-style workflows. One of its underrated capabilities is the ability to pipe selected content through external commands—opening the door to powerful text filtering, transformation, and analysis with tools like grep.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Helix’s pipe command in combination with grep to display only the lines that match specific patterns—such as those containing http—without leaving the editor.

Step-by-Step: Grep for Specific Lines

1. Select All Content

Press % in normal mode to select the entire buffer. This selects all visible lines, preparing them for piping.

2. Enter Pipe Mode

Hit | to enter pipe mode. This allows you to send the selected text to any shell command, similar to piping in a traditional shell.

This feature is incredibly useful for ad-hoc transformations, filtering, formatting, or even analyzing code metrics without ever switching context.

3. Run grep Command

Type a grep expression, such as:

grep http
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This filters the selected lines and keeps only those containing the word http. You can replace http with any keyword, pattern, or regular expression depending on your needs.

For example:

  • grep TODO → shows only lines with TODO comments
  • grep '^func' → captures lines starting with func (ideal in Go files)
  • grep -v debug → excludes lines containing debug

Helix will update the buffer view to display only the matching lines—giving you instant insight or a focused edit view.

4. Restore Original Buffer

If you want to go back to the full content after filtering, press Ctrl-O. This reverts to the buffer’s original state before the pipe command was applied.

Practical Use Cases

This workflow is perfect for:

  • Reviewing log files for specific events
  • Filtering error messages or HTTP requests
  • Locating code comments or TODOs
  • Focusing edits on relevant lines in a large document

Final Thoughts

Helix’s pipe feature, paired with grep, is a minimalist yet powerful way to interrogate your code or text data. It reflects Helix’s philosophy: empowering developers with modal precision, shell integrations, and composable workflows—all without ever reaching for the mouse.

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