How do I search within a selected block of code with vim

Question

say, I want to search for a particular text withing a function block. The present way, that i am implementing is selecting the block of code from within the function brackets with vi{ and then copying it and pasting it to a new file. After that I am searching for the text within the new file with /<search-text>

I want to know, if there is a short cut to this?

Answer 1

vi{
:'<,'>g/foo/#

The '<,'> range is inserted automatically.

See :help range and :help :g.

Answer 2

I think this might be what you are looking for:

Limiting search scope for code in Vim

Using /\%Vsearch pattern should get you what you want after you have selected the block of code you wish to search in. You enter visual mode by hitting v and moving the cursor around to highlight the block you are searching in.

Hope this helps!