1. A method, comprising: performing, using one or more processing units, a search using a search query, wherein the search is through indexed content and metadata associated with a plurality of files, and wherein each file is associated with a persistent file identifier that remains the same when the associated file is modified; displaying, using the one or more processing units, initial search results including a file associated with an application; receiving, using the one or more processing units, a selection of the file, wherein the selection causes the associated application to launch, and wherein contents of the file and a search input field are displayed in the associated application; receiving, using the one or more processing units, input in the search input field, wherein the input modifies the search query; and performing, using the one or more processing units, a subsequent search using the modified search query, wherein modified search results are displayed in the associated application.