I'm using IDE 2.1.1 and there is the traditional search function by typing Ctrl-F and there is the more useful search function in the left bar. My question is how can you highlight something in your code and have it pop up in the expanded search window on the left? I hope that I'm explaining it right.
Ctrl-F is for Find, which is a quick search in the current file buffer, which may or may not be saved to disk. Search is a slower "exhaustive" search through files on disk (in the entire sketchbook). Different names for different purposes.
If I understand your question, if something is highlighted when you hit Ctrl-F, that is by default what is chosen to Find in the current buffer. There may not be an equivalent for Search. You need to do Copy and Paste.
Your explanation makes sense. It would be nice to have a link between Find and Search instead of having to do a copy/paste.