Using Declarative Metaprogramming To Detect Possible Refactorings

In this paper, we advocate the use of declarative metaprogramming to detect violations of important (object-oriented) design guidelines and best practices. This is particularly useful for detecting when a design should be refactored, and which refactorings in particular should be applied. As we will show, a declarative environment incorporating metaprogramming capabilities is very well suited for detecting such violations and providing information for possible refactorings.