Creating a Java design and code convention mentor using evolutionary computation

Code and design conventions can be considered to be rules-of-thumb or best-practices that improve the maintainability of software applications. Generally, each programming language has its own conventions. For example, the Java language has a set of code and design conventions that have been documented by its creators. In general, these conventions are maintained manually by the programmer since automated support is usually restricted to the automatic generation of code. The Design and Code Convention Checker system, DChk (pronounced D-Check) enables the maintenance of various object oriented design principles and code conventions during the development of Java programs. It scans Java code, listing any discovered violations of specific design and code conventions as well as recommended actions, associated reasoning and relevant reading material. The paper discusses this system, its associated tools and the relevant methodology involved in its use.