mdsel
mdsel is a markdown selective reader with three modes:
- Index (no selector) — returns a table of contents with all headings and available selectors. This IS an overview.
- Select — returns only the matched sections by selector path.
- Search — fuzzy match a keyword against headings, returns matching selectors.
Workflow
- Index first:
mdsel README.md(no selector) → get the TOC - Then either:
- Select:
mdsel "h2.4,h3.6" README.md— grab specific sections - Search:
mdsel "installation" README.md— fuzzy-find by keyword
- Select:
0-based indexing. Always index before selecting.
NEVER use the * wildcard selector. If you need the entire document, use the Read tool instead — that's what it's for. The purpose of mdsel is selective reading to save tokens.
When to use Read instead
Use the Read tool for markdown files when:
- You need the entire file content (don't use mdsel with
*orroot— just use Read) - You plan to edit the file (Edit tool requires prior Read)
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