fixeer

Fixeer is a software platform that automates the identification and repair of defects in software systems. It provides tooling to analyze code, generate candidate patches, test them against a supplied test suite, and propose changes to be reviewed and merged into version control. Fixeer emphasizes integration with standard development workflows and supports multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, and C/C++.

Origins and development: Fixeer originated as an open-source project developed by a community of researchers and engineers. The project released its first version in 2019 and has since evolved through contributions from individuals and organizations. It is maintained under an open-source license and offers APIs and plugins to extend functionality.

How it works: Fixeer collects test coverage, runs tests, and uses a synthesis engine to generate patch candidates that aim to fix observed failures or improve resilience. Each patch is evaluated by automated test suites and, when possible, by runtime checks. The system ranks patches by success probability, minimalistic change, and potential risk, and a human reviewer can approve or discard suggestions. Fixeer can operate in a continuous integration environment and supports patch contribution via pull requests.

Limitations and reception: Users note that automated repair can produce patches that pass tests but may introduce subtle behavioral changes, so human oversight remains essential. Performance depends on test quality and codebase size. The project has been used in education, research, and some industry settings as a supplementary aid rather than a replacement for manual debugging.

See also: automated program repair, test-driven development, patch management.