Spoon
Spoon: A programmable Java toolkit for AST analysis, refactoring, instrumentation, and source transformation. Ranked #6 of 22 in Code Refactoring Tools by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for java AST and source-transformation developers.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forJava AST and source-transformation developers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Refactoring scopeRepository
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Builds and manipulates Java ASTs for programmable analysis and transformation
- Supports Maven multi-module analysis and JAR decompilation for bytecode analysis
- Pretty-prints transformed Java source files to an output directory
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Java rather than multiple programming languages
- Requires Java development knowledge and processor-based workflows
- Integration scope centers on Java and Maven project analysis
Our verdict on Spoon
Spoon is an open-source Java library and command-line tool for developers and researchers who need programmable source-code analysis, code generation, instrumentation, refactoring, or transpilation workflows. It builds and manipulates Java abstract syntax trees, accepts source files or folders as input resources, and can write transformed source files to an output directory. Its repository-level scope and desktop deployment model suit teams working directly with Java codebases, especially projects organized with Maven.
Its strongest capability is the combination of AST access, processor-based static analysis, and source transformation. Developers can apply transformations for instrumentation and refactoring, use automated helpers for local-variable and generic-variable refactoring, and pretty-print the resulting source. Spoon also supports Maven project and multi-module project analysis, which gives it a practical fit for repository-wide Java transformations rather than only isolated files. Bytecode analysis through JAR decompilation extends the workflow beyond source-only inputs.
Spoon is free open-source software, distributed under the CeCILL-C and MIT licenses, so its cost model is straightforward for teams that can support a Java library or command-line workflow internally. Its focus is deliberately narrow: Java AST manipulation, static analysis, and source transformation rather than broad multi-language refactoring. Choose Spoon when programmable control over Java syntax and repository-scale transformations matters more than a cross-language tool or a prebuilt graphical workflow. Teams working outside Java, or those seeking a wider ecosystem of verified integrations, should consider a different category fit.
Your product? Our editors can test Spoon in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Spoon pricing
Spoon fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported languages | Java |
| Refactoring scope | Repository |
| Batch refactoring | Yes |
| AI assistance | Not verified |
| AST-based analysis | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | spoon.gforge.inria.fr |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Spoon
- ReSharperA deep Visual Studio refactoring suite with broad analysis and AI assistance.9.2
- ast-grepA free, open-source choice for structural searches, codemods, and custom linting.8.7
- CodeRushA broad Visual Studio refactoring toolkit with a free plan and Windows-only coverage.8.5
Spoon vs the competition
- Spoon vs ReSharper
- Spoon vs ast-grep
- Spoon vs CodeRush
- Spoon vs DMS Software Reengineering Toolkit
- Spoon vs jscodeshift
- Spoon vs Coccinelle
Compare Spoon with any tool side by side →
Used Spoon? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Spoon for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Spoon is listed in our Code Refactoring Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/spoon/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/spoon.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update