A Lightweight Polyglot Code Transformation Language

Explore a groundbreaking 19-minute video presentation from PLDI 2024 introducing a lightweight polyglot code transformation language. Discover how this innovative domain-specific language (DSL) addresses challenges in large-scale, multi-language codebases by enabling interdependent code transformations across different programming languages. Learn about the key insights behind extending lightweight match-replace tools with composition, ordering, and flow capabilities. Examine the implementation of PolyglotPiranha, an open-source tool deployed in industrial settings, and its effectiveness in deleting dead code and migrating codebases. Compare this new DSL against existing alternatives and understand how it improves speed, conciseness, and maintainability in automated code maintenance tasks. Gain insights into the potential impact of this technology on source-code rewriting, automated refactoring, and code cleanup processes in modern software development.

[PLDI24] A Lightweight Polyglot Code Transformation Language