IDE Language Tools
Problem
Hover, go-to-definition, and symbol lists need precise, fast answers about the code under the cursor.
Why tree-sitter.zig helps
gotoDescendant(offset) answers "what is under the cursor" in one dive; compiled queries answer "every X in this file" in one walk.
API
TreeCursor.gotoDescendant, Node.parent, Query + QueryCursor.
Architecture
text
Cursor event → gotoDescendant → parent chain → definition lookup
File open → execute (identifier) @id → document symbolsExample
zig
var cursor = tree.cursor();
defer cursor.deinit();
cursor.gotoDescendant(click_byte);
const def_node = cursor.currentNode().parent();