proxmox/docs/SEARCH_GUIDE.md

Documentation Search Guide

Last Updated: 2026-02-05
Document Version: 1.1
Status: Active Documentation

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Overview

This guide explains how to search and navigate the documentation effectively.

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Search Methods

Method 1: Master Index (Recommended)

File: MASTER_INDEX.md

Usage:

1. Open MASTER_INDEX.md for the complete documentation index.
2. Use your editor's search function (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F) to find keywords, topics, or document names.
3. Follow links to navigate to documents. Documents are organized by category (01–12) with priority ratings.

Alternative: Use docs/README.md for a shorter overview and category "See" links to each section's README.

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Method 2: Full-Text Search (Command Line)

Using grep:

# Search for keyword in all markdown files
grep -r "keyword" docs/ --include="*.md"

# Case-insensitive search
grep -ri "keyword" docs/ --include="*.md"

# Search with context (3 lines before/after)
grep -ri "keyword" docs/ --include="*.md" -C 3

Using ripgrep (if available):

# Faster search with ripgrep
rg "keyword" docs/

# Search in specific file types
rg "keyword" -t markdown docs/

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Method 3: IDE/Editor Search

Most IDEs support:

• Global search across all files
• Search in specific directories
• Regex pattern matching
• File name search

Examples:

• VS Code: Ctrl+Shift+F (Cmd+Shift+F on Mac)
• Vim/Neovim: Use :grep or plugins
• Emacs: Use M-x grep or helm-ag

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Method 4: Tag-Based Search

Use the tag index in MASTER_INDEX.md (or search MASTER_INDEX.md for topics):

• Find documents by topic tags
• Tags include: proxmox, besu, cloudflare, vlan, vmid, rpc, ccip, etc.

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Search Tips

Finding Configuration Information

Search for:

• "configuration" - General configuration guides
• "template" - Configuration templates
• Specific service names (e.g., "besu", "cloudflare", "nginx")

Key Files:

• 04-configuration/CONFIGURATION_TEMPLATES.md - Configuration templates
• 10-best-practices/CONFIGURATION_DECISION_TREE.md - Configuration decision tree

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Finding Troubleshooting Information

Search for:

• "troubleshooting" - Troubleshooting guides
• "error" - Error messages and solutions
• "issue" - Known issues and fixes
• Specific error messages

Key Files:

• 09-troubleshooting/TROUBLESHOOTING_FAQ.md - Troubleshooting FAQ
• 09-troubleshooting/TROUBLESHOOTING_FAQ.md - Troubleshooting flow (same as above)

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Finding Architecture Information

Search for:

• "architecture" - Architecture documents
• "network" - Network architecture
• "vlan" - VLAN configuration
• "vmid" - VMID allocation

Key Files:

• 02-architecture/NETWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md - Network architecture
• 02-architecture/VMID_ALLOCATION_FINAL.md - VMID allocation

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Finding Quick References

Search for:

• "quick reference" - Quick reference cards
• "commands" - Command references
• "network quick" - Network quick reference

Key Files:

• 12-quick-reference/QUICK_REFERENCE_CARDS.md - Network, VMID, commands quick reference

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Search Index Structure

The search index is organized by:

1. Category - Documents grouped by category
2. Alphabetical - All documents listed alphabetically
3. Tags - Documents indexed by topic tags

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Updating the Search Index

Automatic Update:

cd docs
./scripts/generate_search_index.sh

Manual Update:

• Edit SEARCH_INDEX.md directly
• Add new documents to appropriate categories
• Update tags as needed

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Related Documentation

• MASTER_INDEX.md ⭐⭐⭐ - Complete documentation index
• MASTER_INDEX.md ⭐⭐⭐ - Master documentation index
• README.md ⭐⭐ - Documentation overview

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Last Updated: 2025-01-20
Review Cycle: Quarterly