[Cocci] More precise distinction of types for source code searches?

[Markus Elfring <Markus.Elfring@web.de>]

Hello,

The semantic patch language supports metavariables.
It can occur then that a source code search should be performed for items
which should be different while they belong still to the same data type.
(If these items would be identical, the software situation would provide
opportunities to simplify corresponding source code.)

The expected difference can trigger the need to express this detail
by the usage of two identifiers based on the same metavariable type.


SmPL script example:
@display@
constant c1, c2;
identifier x;
@@
 x =
*    c1
 ;
 x =
*    c2
 ;


Source file example:
int main(void)
{
int x;
x = 1;
x = 0;
return x;
}


The used constants are integers and additional properties can be expressed
for such numbers. These properties can eventually handled with scripted
SmPL constraints.
But I have got the impression that other metavariable types provide even more
software development challenges for safe distinction of relevant items.

I would like to point the detail out once more that also these metavariables
can be of the same kind then with the consequence that it is not guaranteed
that such metavariables will only match different source code.
The support for the introduction of additional subtypes on demand might be
too limited by the evolving software.

How do you think about this use case?

Regards,
Markus
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