Feat : Implement File Search in File Explorer

[imSubhro]

✨ Feature Description

Add a file search feature to the File Explorer so users can quickly locate files in their project without having to manually expand and scroll through the entire directory tree.

🤔 Problem It Solves

The current File Explorer has no search functionality. In projects with many files and nested folders, finding a specific file requires manually expanding directories one by one. This is slow and frustrating, especially when working on larger codebases. A search input in the File Explorer would solve this instantly.

💡 Proposed Solution

• Add a search input at the top of the File Explorer panel.
• As the user types, filter the file tree in real time to show only files and folders whose names match the query.
• Highlight the matched portion of each filename in the results.
• Show a "No files found" message if nothing matches.
• Clearing the search restores the full file tree.

✅ Acceptance Criteria

• Search input added to the top of the File Explorer.
• Real-time filtering of files and folders as user types.
• Matched filename portion visually highlighted.
• Empty state shown when no results match.
• Full tree restored when search is cleared.

🌱 Contributor Checklist

• I am participating via GSSoC
• I have read the contribution guidelines
• I checked for existing issues before creating this

[imSubhro]

Hi @alokkksharmaa 👋

I'd love to work on this under GSSoC! 🚀

I tried navigating the File Explorer with a multi-level folder structure and it becomes genuinely tedious very quickly — you have to expand directories one by one hoping the file you need is where you think it is. A search input at the top of the File Explorer would completely change that experience.

My plan is to add a search field at the top of the File Explorer that filters the file tree in real time as the user types, highlights matched filenames in the results, and shows a clean empty state if nothing matches. Clearing the input brings everything back. It's a focused, self-contained feature that touches only the File Explorer component. Could you please assign this to me? 😊

[MeghnaaT]

Hi @alokkksharmaa,

I’d like to work on this issue under GSSoC’26.

I reviewed the file explorer flow and this seems well-scoped. My plan is to:

• Add a search input at the top of the explorer
• Implement recursive filtering for nested files/folders
• Highlight matching filenames
• Show an empty state when no matches are found
• Restore the original tree when search is cleared

I’ll keep the implementation lightweight and aligned with the existing UI.

Please assign this issue to me if it’s available.
Thanks!