impact-analyst-ast

Finding all usages of a function before refactoring Python code requires static analysis that parses ASTs to locate symbol definitions and references. This identifies usages to predict impact and prevent breaking changes.

AST-based impact analysis is a static analysis technique that uses Abstract Syntax Trees to map definitions and usages of classes, functions, or variables. It predicts the ripple effect of refactoring or symbol renaming.

Performing a safe symbol rename across a Python project uses AST matching to locate every definition and usage of the target symbol. This static impact analysis ensures all occurrences are identified to prevent introducing bugs.

This impact analysis tool requires no external dependencies to parse Python files and locate symbol usages. It operates purely on Python files using built-in AST parsing to match symbols by name for refactoring preparation.

Limitations of using AST matching for codebase impact analysis include relying on static analysis that matches symbols strictly by name. It requires accessible Python files and cannot track dynamic usages or runtime symbol modifications.