The Jackpot Project

The Jackpot module adds the capability to reengineer Java source code. "Reengineering" means in this case to safely make sweeping changes to potentially large bodies of source code, such as converting code to no longer use deprecated methods, or simplifying overly complex conditional code. These changes are made either with custom Java transformation classes, or via "rules files" which use a custom Java pattern matching language. The Jackpot module also provides IDE support for creating, editing and running new rules files.

News

• Here are the slides to the JavaOne 2007 talk Advanced Java Refactoring: Pushing the Envelope. My apologies for having to rush through the end due to my poor time management. The demos use the M9 preview release of NetBeans 6.0, with the two Jackpot modules from the Development Update Center.
• A rewritten version of Jackpot for 6.0 is now committed to the CVS repository and being distributed via the Development Update Center. This rewrite eliminates the inter-dependency between the Java Source and Jackpot modules. It also moved all of the Jackpot rules support into its own module, so language improvements can be made independently of the NetBeans 6.0 schedule.
• The new Jackpot API has been posted. This API is a merge with the Java Source API for NetBeans 6.0. All overlapping functionality between the two has been eliminated, so this API is much smaller and simpler than previous versions. Please send any suggestions on improvements to dev@jackpot.netbeans.org.
• The Jackpot Transformer Module Tutorial has been posted.

Get Started

1. Install the modules in the NetBeans IDE.
2. Read the tutorial to get a brief overview of Jackpot (along with the other documentation).
3. Browse the sample rule files.
4. Update regularly to get the latest improvements.

Join the Project

The Jackpot project is improving based upon feedback we receive from developers. Join the project and help influence what Jackpot's standard reengineering commands are, how its rules language evolves, and what its API should be.

Got Bugs?

Don't be surprised if you find bugs in Jackpot! Help us address these issues by first checking if they are already reported, then file them with NetBeans Issue Tracking (aka Bugzilla), specifying the jackpot component. Once the issue has been addressed, an update will be available shortly from the Daily Update Center. Your patience is appreciated.