GNU GLOBAL vs OpenGrok
GNU GLOBAL
gnu.orgOpenGrok
oracle.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | GNU GLOBAL | OpenGrok |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Code Search Tools | 8.1 (#7) | 7.8 (#11) |
| Purpose | GNU GLOBAL is a source code tagging system for locating objects such as functions, macros, structs, and classes in source files. | OpenGrok is a Java source code search and cross-reference engine for searching, cross-referencing, and navigating source trees. |
| Search features | Features include locating paths matching a pattern, hierarchical searches, and searches in source and library projects. | It searches full text, definitions, symbols, paths, and revision history, with subtree searches, wildcards, and date-range filters. |
| Support | The project directs users seeking help to the [email protected] mailing list. | The project directs users to discussions and mailing lists, and asks users to report bugs or feature requests through GitHub Issues. |
Plans
In their own words
OpenGrok
OpenGrok is a Java source code search and cross-reference engine for searching and navigating source trees. It searches full text, definitions, symbols, paths and revision history, with subtree searches, wildcards and date-range filters. Its read-only web interface provides syntax-highlighted cross-references, file and directory history, and revision diffs. Supported revision control systems include Git, Mercurial, Subversion, CVS, Perforce, ClearCase, Bazaar, Monotone, Razor, RCS, SCCS, Teamware and AccuRev. Plugins can add support for programming languages or revision control systems. The web application provides a REST API under `/api/v1/` and a granular authorization framework; authentication is handled by the application server or a reverse proxy. Setup requires creating an index and deploying the web application. The guide lists Java 21 through 25, Universal Ctags and a servlet container such as Tomcat 10.x. OpenGrok is free and open source under the CDDL license, and is maintained by volunteers. Support and project requests go through discussions, mailing lists and GitHub Issues.