JSparrow - A boon for Java Developers

jSparrow is an IDE extension for eclipse. It is a tool for refactoring Java code with a rule-based approach. A jSparrow rule is a definition of many small composed refactoring steps. It also offers markers that will lets you have in-depth guidance towards best practice java while you are programming. Thus, while simplifying tedious task of refractoring the code, if observed, it also enables one to gain additional knowledge of best practices and newer features.

Essentially jSparrow goals are :

• Improve software speed and performance for private users.
• Reduce technical debts for upkeep of Java Legacies.
• Help developers write state-of-the-art syntax with cleaner, more efficient and more secure code.
• Increase internal stability, security and performance for companies worldwide.

Thus jSparrow essentially results in :

• Saves Time - Repetitive work is with jSparrow unnecessary; developers will have more time to implement new functionality.
• Increase readability - It standardizes the code, thus improving readability.
• Unique preview mode - Allows one to preview your original source with the refactored code before making any committing decisions.
• Reduce Complexity
• Develop Good Coding Practices

In this article, we will explore how to use Jsparrow to refactor Java code in IntelliJ IDEA. We will cover the basic steps for installing the plugin and applying some of the most common refactoring.

Features

• Automatic Java refactoring
• Transforms old language constructs to new language constructs.
• Reduce code smells.
• Find potential bugs
• Standardize code
• Supports integration with Maven

Installation

It supports several popular IDEs including Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans.

To install JSparrow, follow these steps:

1. Open the IntelliJ IDEA IDE.
2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and then select "Settings".
3. In the settings window, select "Plugins" from the left-hand side menu.
4. Click on the "Marketplace" tab and search for "JSparrow".
5. Click on the "Install" button next to JSparrowto install the plugin.
6. Restart IntelliJ IDEA.

Once JSparrow is installed, you can access it from the "Refactor" menu in IntelliJ IDEA.

Using jSparrow

1. Select the code you want to refactor.
2. Run JSparrow: You can then run JSparrow by clicking on the JSparrow icon or by using the keyboard shortcut. JSparrow will then analyze your code and suggest possible refactoring.
3. Review and apply suggested changes: You can then review the suggested changes and apply them to your code. JSparrow also provides a preview of the changes, so you can see the impact before applying them.
4. Verify changes: Once the changes have been applied, it's important to verify that they have not introduced any new issues or bugs. You can use automated testing tools or manual testing to verify the changes.

Screenshots and more Detailed Guide: https://jsparrow.github.io/eclipse/getting-started.html#usage-of-the-plugin

Free Rules

jSparrow provides a range of free rules that can help you to improve the quality and maintainability of your Java code. These rules are included in the free version of the plugin and can be used without any limitations.

Here are some examples of the free rules provided by JSpaRRoW:

1. Remove unnecessary null checks: This rule identifies and removes unnecessary null checks in your code. This can help to make your code more concise and easier to read.
2. Use try-with-resources: This rule identifies places in your code where try-with-resources statements can be used instead of try-finally blocks. This can help to simplify your code and reduce the risk of errors.
3. Simplify conditional expressions: This rule identifies complex conditional expressions and suggests simpler alternatives. This can help to make your code more readable and easier to understand.
4. Simplify boolean expressions: This rule identifies complex boolean expressions and suggests simpler alternatives. This can help to make your code more readable and easier to understand.
5. Remove unnecessary casts: This rule identifies and removes unnecessary casts in your code. This can help to make your code more concise and reduce the risk of errors.
6. Use diamond operator: This rule identifies places in your code where the diamond operator can be used to simplify generic type declarations. This can help to make your code more concise and easier to read.
7. Use var: This rule identifies places in your code where the var keyword can be used to simplify variable declarations. This can help to make your code more concise and reduce duplication.
8. Remove unused variables: This rule identifies and removes unused variables in your code. This can help to reduce clutter and make your code easier to read.
9. Remove unused imports: This rule identifies and removes unused imports in your code. This can help to reduce clutter and make your code easier to read.
10. Remove unnecessary parentheses: This rule identifies and removes unnecessary parentheses in your code. This can help to make your code more concise and easier to read.
11. Remove unnecessary semicolons: This rule identifies and removes unnecessary semicolons in your code. This can help to make your code more concise and easier to read.
12. Simplify string concatenation: This rule identifies places in your code where string concatenation can be simplified using String.format or StringBuilder. This can help to make your code more efficient and easier to read.
13. Simplify ternary expressions: This rule identifies complex ternary expressions and suggests simpler alternatives. This can help to make your code more readable and easier to understand.
14. Remove unused private methods: This rule identifies and removes unused private methods in your code. This can help to reduce clutter and make your code easier to read.
15. Use functional interfaces instead of anonymous classes: This rule identifies places in your code where anonymous classes can be replaced with functional interfaces. This can help to simplify your code and reduce duplication.
16. Simplify method calls with default values: This rule identifies places in your code where method calls with default values can be simplified using method overloading. This can help to make your code more efficient and easier to read.
17. Use switch expressions: This rule identifies places in your code where switch statements can be replaced with switch expressions. This can help to simplify your code and reduce duplication.
18. Use streams instead of loops: This rule identifies places in your code where loops can be replaced with streams. This can help to simplify your code and improve readability.
19. Use varargs instead of arrays: This rule identifies places in your code where arrays can be replaced with varargs. This can help to simplify your code and reduce duplication.
20. Use lambdas instead of anonymous classes: This rule identifies places in your code where anonymous classes can be replaced with lambdas. This can help to simplify your code and reduce duplication.
21. Remove unnecessary code duplication: This rule identifies places in your code where there is unnecessary duplication and suggests ways to eliminate it. This can help to make your code more maintainable and reduce the risk of errors.
22. Use descriptive variable names: This rule identifies places in your code where variable names are not descriptive enough and suggests more meaningful alternatives. This can help to make your code more readable and easier to understand.
23. Use static imports: This rule identifies places in your code where static imports can be used to simplify class references. This can help to make your code more concise and easier to read.
24. Use default methods in interfaces: This rule identifies places in your code where default methods in interfaces can be used to provide default implementations. This can help to simplify your code and reduce duplication.

Conclusion

Overall, jSparrow provides a powerful set of automated refactoring that can help to improve the quality and maintainability of your Java code. By automating common refactoring, the plugin can help you to save time and effort and focus on more important tasks.

Reference

• https://jsparrow.github.io/
• https://www.slideshare.net/jSparrowpicks/automatic-refactoring
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgAfXvOhz3w
• https://jsparrow.github.io/eclipse/getting-started.html#usage-of-the-plugin