A meta-model for language-independent refactoring

Refactoring-transforming code while preserving behaviour-is considered a key approach for improving object-oriented software systems. Unfortunately, all of the current refactoring tools depend on language-dependent refactoring engines, which prevents a smooth integration with mainstream development...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inProceedings International Symposium on Principles of Software Evolution pp. 154 - 164
Main Authors Tichelaar, S., Ducasse, S., Demeyer, S., Nierstrasz, O.
Format Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published IEEE 2000
Subjects
Code standards
Computer architecture
Engines
Java
Programming profession
Prototypes
Software standards
Software systems
Standards development
World Wide Web
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Summary:Refactoring-transforming code while preserving behaviour-is considered a key approach for improving object-oriented software systems. Unfortunately, all of the current refactoring tools depend on language-dependent refactoring engines, which prevents a smooth integration with mainstream development environments. We investigate the similarities between refactorings for Smalltalk and Java, derive a language-independent meta-model and show that it is feasible to build a language-independent refactoring engine on top of this meta-model. Our feasibility study is validated by means of a tool prototype which uses the same engine to refactor both Smalltalk and Java code. Using our approach we minimize the language-dependent part of refactoring tools, providing a standard way for programmers and tools to perform refactorings no matter what language they work in.
ISBN:0769509061
9780769509068
DOI:10.1109/ISPSE.2000.913233