Using Rector to Maximize Type Coverage in Legacy Projects

2023/07/24

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Rector, a powerful tool for code transformation, can be utilized to improve the type coverage of legacy projects, resulting in better results from IDEs and static analysis tools. In an article by Markus Staab, the author shares their experience and provides a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use Rector in legacy projects.

The article emphasizes the importance of adding types to the codebase before applying more advanced rector code transformations. Staab suggests starting with Rector by configuring relevant source paths and running it on the command line. The tool will generate changes, which should be reviewed and verified by the developer. If the changes become overwhelming, the author advises reverting to the previous state and running Rector on a smaller portion of the project.

Staab recommends adding return types first, followed by property types, starting with private properties and gradually moving to protected properties. The article also highlights the significance of being cautious when adding parameter types, as it can potentially break backwards compatibility.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive plan for utilizing Rector in legacy projects, offering valuable insights and best practices for developers looking to improve type coverage and enhance their codebase.