An Interactive Interface for Refactoring Using Source Transformation

In this paper we present RUST, an environment that assists the programmer in locating potential code improvements by searching for a set of predetermined patterns, identifying these areas as code smells, and providing a means to automatically implement refactorings. Results and changes are presented using an interface that allows the user to examine the affected code, try out and see the results of applying potential refactorings, and accept or back out of changes after performing them. This reversible system allows for interactive programmer-driven modifications to the source code in which programmers can test out refactorings before committing to them.