System and methodology providing compiler-assisted refactoring

An improved method for compiler-assisted refactoring of a software application, the method comprising:

• receiving a request for refactoring of a software application, said refactoring comprising a change to a given symbol of the software application;
• parsing binary files of the software application to identify the binary files containing references to the given symbol;
• retrieving source files of the identified binary files;
• using a compiler to generate a list of uses of the given symbol in the software application, said list including name, type information, and location of the given symbol;
• and
• applying changes to the software application based on said list of uses.

A method for assisting a user with changing source code for a software program, the method comprising:

• receiving a user-provided change to the source code for said software program;
• parsing binary modules of the software program to determine which particular binary modules are dependent on said user-provided change;
• retrieving corresponding source files of the binary modules for those particular binary modules determined to be dependent on said user-provided change;
• and
• with a compiler, identifying each particular portion of the source code in the retrieved source code files that is affected by said user-provided change.

A system for facilitating a modification to source code of a software program, the system comprising:

• a compiler for compiling source code into binary modules that comprise said software program;
• a refactoring module for:
• parsing the binary modules of said software program to determine which particular binary modules are dependent on said modification to source code;
• retrieving the source code of the particular binary modules dependent on said modification;
• and
• invoking the compiler for identifying particular portions of the retrieved source code affected by said modification.