Snabbfixer

Snabbfixer is a cross-platform, open-source tool designed to automate small, low-risk edits across software projects. It provides a framework for creating patch rules that update source code, configuration files, or documentation while preserving repository history.

Core features include rule-based patching, syntax-aware editing, dry-run previews, patch validation, and integration with common version control systems. A plugin system allows language-specific or toolchain-specific rules, with a central patch library to share existing rules.

Architecture consists of a lightweight core engine, a rule library, a rules compiler, and VCS adapters. Patch rules are declared in a declarative format (e.g., YAML), describing patterns to match and the transformations to apply. Pre-apply checks and an optional dry-run help prevent unintended changes, and a built-in rollback mechanism can revert patches.

Usage typically involves writing or importing patch rules, running a preview, applying patches, and then testing and committing changes. Teams use snabbfixer to standardize routine edits, such as updating dependencies, adjusting configuration schemas, or applying accessibility tweaks across multiple services.

Origin and name: the term combines snabb (fast in several Nordic languages) with fixer, reflecting its aim of rapid, deterministic edits. The project emerged from an open-source community focused on maintenance automation and has inspired several forks with domain-specific enhancements.

Limitations and governance: while useful for repetitive tasks, automated patches require careful rule curation and code review to avoid regressions. Audit logs and versioned rule sets are commonly recommended.

See also: code automation, patch management, refactoring tools, continuous integration.