Exploiting the Correspondence between Micro Patterns and Class Names

Abstract

This paper argues that semantic information encoded in natural language identifiers is a largely neglected resource for program analysis. First we show that words in Java class names relate to class properties, expressed using the recently developed micro patterns language. We analyse a large corpus of Java programs to create a database that links common class name words with micro patterns. Finally we report on prototype tools integrated with the Eclipse development environment. These tools use the database to inform programmers of particular problems or optimization opportunities in their code.