Clarify --precise flag behavior and when to use it

[Copilot]

The --precise flag description suggested default results are imprecise and didn't explain when to use it. The command already auto-detects serialized data and switches to PHP processing - --precise forces PHP for all columns.

Changes

Updated flag description:

• Changed from vague "more thorough, but slower" to explicit behavior: forces PHP for all columns
• Explained automatic PHP fallback when serialized data is detected (^[aiO]:[1-9] pattern)
• Clarified use case: ensuring consistent PHP processing across all columns with complex serialized data

Added example:

# Use precise mode for complex serialized data
$ wp search-replace 'oldurl.com' 'newurl.com' --precise

Context

Default behavior (lines 477-496):

• SQL queries for speed
• Auto-switches to PHP when serialized data detected
• --precise bypasses detection, forces PHP everywhere

Warning

Firewall rules blocked me from connecting to one or more addresses (expand for details)

I tried to connect to the following addresses, but was blocked by firewall rules:

• api.wordpress.org
  • Triggering command: /usr/bin/curl curl -s REDACTED (dns block)

If you need me to access, download, or install something from one of these locations, you can either:

• Configure Actions setup steps to set up my environment, which run before the firewall is enabled
• Add the appropriate URLs or hosts to the custom allowlist in this repository's Copilot coding agent settings (admins only)

Original prompt

---

This section details on the original issue you should resolve

<issue_title>Explain the purpose of the --precise flag</issue_title>
<issue_description>The description of the --precise flag suggests that default results are not precise. Is this the case?

I think the description of this flag needs to be improved, and possibly an example added to the Examples section demonstrating when it should be used.</issue_description>

Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)

@schlessera My best guess is that some occurrences of the pattern to search might be hidden by escaping or serialization, and you'd need to iterate over the dataset with PHP and transform the data before looking for the pattern to match them. A pure SQL query will miss these.

• Fixes Explain the purpose of the --precise flag #91

---

💡 You can make Copilot smarter by setting up custom instructions, customizing its development environment and configuring Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. Learn more Copilot coding agent tips in the docs.

[codecov]

Codecov Report

✅ All modified and coverable lines are covered by tests.

📢 Thoughts on this report? Let us know!