> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-actions/dsclocatesymbol.md).
# DSCLocateSymbol
## Description
Search the cache for a symbol by name, walking its local symbol table and every image's export table. Choosing the action opens a small **query prompt**: enter a substring — the field keeps a history of past queries — and confirm. The only knob behind the **Options** group (collapsed by default) is case-insensitive matching.
Available from the DSC Index context menu, under **Locate**.
The "Locate > Symbol" entry in the DSC Index context menu
The query prompt, with the Options group expanded
Confirming runs the search and opens the **DSC symbols** panel with the matches. The panel keeps the same query field and Options, so you can refine the search in place — edit the text and press Enter, or click the **Search** button.
The DSC symbols panel after a search
### Result tree
Hits are grouped by their containing image; the cache's local symbol table appears as a top-level `.symbols` group. Unlike the [DSC Index](/ida-actions/opendscindex.md), this tree exposes one extra level of grouping: the **section** in which each symbol sits (`__objc_data`, `__data`, etc.) — useful when triaging hits that span both code and metadata.
Each leaf shows the matched name and its address. Double-clicking a leaf jumps to the symbol, triggering an on-demand load of the owning image if it isn't loaded yet.
See [DSC Workflow](/core/disassembler/concepts/dsc-workflow.md).
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-actions/dsclocatesymbol.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.