Methodscan

Methodscan is a technique used in software engineering to identify and analyze the methods within a codebase. It aims to locate method definitions, track invocations, and map the relationships between methods across classes and modules. The output typically includes call graphs, method inventories, and dependency information that support maintenance and evolution tasks.

Methods can be collected statically by parsing source code or intermediate representations, using abstract syntax trees and type information, or dynamically by instrumenting a running program to observe actual method calls. Hybrid approaches combine both to improve coverage, especially in languages with reflection and dynamic dispatch.

Common outputs include call graphs, lists of unused or duplicate methods, and metrics such as fan-out, depth, and cyclomatic complexity at the method level. Methodscan supports activities like refactoring, impact analysis after changes, API compatibility checks, test planning, and documentation generation.

Limitations include handling of dynamic features, advanced metaprogramming, and generated or obfuscated code. Scale and accuracy depend on language support, tooling, and the size of the codebase; incomplete analysis can miss runtime behavior. Privacy and security considerations may arise when analyzing proprietary code.

See also: static analysis, program analysis, call graph, code comprehension.