> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kast.michne.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Read a symbol

> Use exact compiler references, locations, and signatures without guessing identity.

`query_symbols` returns exact Kotlin symbols. A result can carry a kind,
name, source location, signature, and an opaque `ref`. The
[query item schema](/reference/models/query-item) defines the full shape.

| Field       | Use                                                    |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| `ref`       | Pass unchanged to Kast for a later read.               |
| `location`  | Show where the declaration was proven.                 |
| `signature` | Display the compiler's declaration details.            |
| `source`    | Show a bounded committed source window when requested. |

Pass the returned exact `ref` unchanged to later query or source reads. A
matching name, file path, or reconstructed token does not prove exact identity.

The [symbol query example](/search) works without knowing a project-specific
name. Keep the result's coverage with any symbol you report.