Add `rewrite` support for `errorprone.refasterrules`

[Pankraz76]

1. What are you trying to do?

Add rewrite support for errorprone.refasterrules

I’d like to propose integrating Google’s Error Prone and its Picnic extension (demonstrated in Automating Away Bugs with Error Prone | PlatformCon 2023) to enable automated bug fixes via rewrite rules. This would complement Checkstyle’s static analysis capabilities by addressing semantic bugs rather than stylistic issues.

Motivation

Error Prone’s refaster/rewrite rules can automatically:

• Fix common bug patterns (e.g., String.equals() misuse)
• Modernize code (e.g., JDK migration helpers)
• Enforce best practices (e.g., null-check improvements)

Real-world adoptions show tangible benefits:

• Issue #17487: Introduce Rewrite covering S1144: Unused "private" methods should be removed checkstyle/checkstyle#17545
• Fix #5953: [java] PoC: Add rewrite support for errorprone.refasterrules pmd/pmd#5956
• Introduce Rewrite & PMD covering S1144: Unused "private" methods should be removed opensearch-project/OpenSearch#18791
• PoC: Add rewrite support for errorprone.refasterrules diffplug/spotless#2576
• PoC: Add rewrite support for errorprone.refasterrules apache/kafka#20219

Proposal

1. Add support for errorprone.refasterrules-based rewrites
2. Implement with opt-in adoption (no breaking changes)
3. Include suppression mechanisms for API constraints

Discussion Points

• Need consensus on:
• Scope of auto-fixes
• Preferred suppression strategy
• Integration approach

Next Steps

I’m happy to:

• Prepare a PoC demonstrating the value
• Collaborate on implementation strategy
• Address any concerns about compatibility

relates to:

• implement IDE agnostic configuration with editorconfig.org checkstyle/checkstyle#16543