Application of lp structures theoryto object-oriented code refactoring

Abstract

The article explores problems that arise during the automatization of the object-oriented software refactoring. The described approach is based on the application of the Theory of LP Structures that provides lattice-based algebraic structures for describing logic production systems and systems that can be considered as such. Earlier it was shown that LP Structures on type lattices can be used to formalize the process of object-oriented software refactoring, including redundant attributes removal and the relocation of identical attributes into their common superclasses (“Pull Up Field” technique). The preconditions for employing LP Structures on type lattices are studied. An approach is suggested that extends the applicability of these algebraic structures to facilitate the refactoring process of a wider range of software systems.