Begin with the product documentation before relying on a third-party summary.
query
site:docs.github.com "code scanning" "autofix"Search precisely. Verify the source.
Search operators help you find official documentation, public reports and your own indexed pages. They do not prove a private file is safe or a source is current.
The idea
What an advanced query does
It narrows a search by site, phrase, file format or date.
Use it to find public sources and examine provenance. An absence of results is not proof a file is private or a secret was never published.
Syntax
Five useful operators
Availability and interpretation can vary by search engine.
site:Limit results to one domain, such as site:docs.github.com.filetype:Look for public PDF or slide files when the format matters."exact phrase"Keep a distinctive phrase together.-termExclude an irrelevant meaning or product.after:Prefer material after a given date; still inspect the page’s real update date.Examples
Queries to adapt
Use placeholders only for sites and accounts you own or are authorised to assess.
Find release context and compare its date with the current docs.
query
site:github.blog/changelog "code scanning" "autofix"Find public reports without targeting private data.
query
"AI coding agents" filetype:pdf -password -tokenLook for real issues, then verify against official documentation.
query
site:github.com "Azure Static Web Apps" "404" issuesA quick search sample; use Search Console for the fuller indexing report.
query
site:dottorlone.comReplace the placeholder with a domain you own. Review unintended public files.
query
site:yourdomain.example (filetype:pdf OR filetype:csv OR filetype:log)Private repositories
Search results are only the public surface
For a private repository, inspect Git history and use secret scanning or another authorised internal check. If a key has been published, revoke it before cleaning up copies.
Prepare safe example configuration →- Check the actual author and date of every result.
- Read official documentation for changing product behaviour.
- Do not copy or share sensitive material found by accident.
- Use Search Console to understand indexing of a site you control.