Automated semantic-based updates to modified code base

A method for adapting a standard code base, the method comprising:

• canonically parsing a modified version of a first release of a standard code base to generate a canonically-parsed representation of the modified version, wherein the modified version is adapted from the first release of the standard code base by an entity other than that which developed the first release of the standard code base, and for the purpose of adapting the first release of the standard code base to operate on a particular type of computer;
• generating difference data representative of changes made to the first release of the standard code base using the canonically-parsed representation of the modified version;
• using the difference data in applying the changes made to the first release of the standard code base to a second release of the standard code base to generate a modified version of the second release of the standard code base that adapts the second release of the standard code base to operate on the particular type of computer;
• canonically parsing an intermediate version of the first release of the standard code base to generate a canonically-parsed representation of the intermediate version, wherein generating the difference data includes comparing the canonically-parsed representations of the intermediate and modified versions of the first release of the standard code base, wherein the intermediate version of the first release of the standard code base is generated using automated source transformation, and wherein the modified version of the first release of the standard code base is generated by applying manual changes to the intermediate version of the first release of the standard code base.