CDT C++ Refactorings

Refactoring existing code is a key element in almost all modern software development.
Typically, this is performed using tools of an integrated development environment, since
manual changes are slow and error prone. The "C/C++ Development Tooling" plug-in
for Eclipse (CDT) lacks some important refactoring tools. We have already developed the
"Introduce PImpl" refactoring in our semester thesis at the IFS in 2009 and our goal for
this bachelor thesis is to further expand the refactoring abilities of CDT.
Most C++ functions provide one or more declarations in separate (Header) files in addition
to their definition. If the function signature must be changed the programmer has to edit
code in these files and also the calling sites accordingly. This is annoying and increases the
risk for mistakes. With our refactorings, the software developer specifies a single change
that is properly applied to all the relevant parts of code.
To get an easier start with the Eclipse framework we began with a rather simple refactoring
called "Declare Function" that offers the possibility to create a function declaration within
a header file based on the function's definition. It is the counterpart to the already existing
"Implement Method" (sic) refactoring.
Our main feature "Change Function Signature" allows changing the signature of a function
with a very simple and yet powerful wizard. The user can add, remove or rearrange
parameters, modify the return type and choose to apply those changes to its super- or
subclass, instead of manually rewriting the definition, the declaration and all callers.
Both our refactorings combined with "Implement Method" frees C++ developers from
the burden of having to change code in multiple files, when extending or changing a class'
interface.