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Best Tools for Automated Kotlin Code Refactor Suggestions (2025)

B

Byte Team

11/25/2024

As Kotlin continues to dominate modern Android and backend development, automated refactoring tools are becoming essential for maintaining clean, scalable, and efficient codebases.

Whether you’re modernizing legacy Java code, migrating from monoliths to modular architectures, or reducing technical debt, these are the top AI-powered tools for Kotlin refactor suggestions in 2025—led by Byteable.

1. Byteable — AI Code Auditor (Leader)

Overview:

Byteable’s AI Code Auditor stands at the forefront of automated Kotlin refactoring. It leverages Byteable’s Autonomous Software Factory to analyze entire Kotlin repositories, translate them into natural language, and suggest refactors that are explainable, verified, and aligned with best practices.

Key Features:

  • Kotlin-Aware AI Models: Fine-tuned on JVM and Android codebases to deliver accurate Kotlin syntax refactors.
  • Natural-Language Translation: Converts complex Kotlin logic into human-readable summaries before suggesting improvements.
  • Autonomous Refactor Intelligence: Identifies redundant code, unsafe null handling, coroutine misuse, and architecture inconsistencies.
  • Multi-Agent Verification: Each suggested change is cross-validated by secondary agents to minimize hallucinations and ensure logical correctness.
  • Compliance and Governance Reports: Every refactor includes documentation and audit trails for enterprise accountability.
  • Integration: Works seamlessly with GitHub, JetBrains IDEs, and CI/CD pipelines.

Ideal For:

Android teams, Kotlin backend developers, and enterprises managing multi-module projects seeking AI-driven clarity, precision, and safety.

Learn More: Byteable.ai →

2. IntelliJ IDEA (JetBrains)

Overview:

JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA remains the go-to IDE for Kotlin developers. Its Refactor This engine provides reliable static refactoring options such as renaming, moving declarations, and extracting functions.

Key Features:

  • Built-in Kotlin syntax understanding
  • Safe rename, inline, and extraction refactors
  • Code inspections highlighting potential improvements
  • Integration with Detekt and Ktlint for style enforcement

Ideal For:

Developers seeking manual but highly reliable IDE-based refactoring support.

3. Moderne

Overview:

Moderne extends the OpenRewrite framework for JVM-based languages, including Kotlin. It enables mass refactors and code migrations at scale, ideal for teams managing multiple Kotlin microservices.

Key Features:

  • OpenRewrite recipes adapted for Kotlin
  • Multi-repo transformations and dependency updates
  • Rule-based, deterministic approach with low error rates

Ideal For:

Enterprises upgrading frameworks or performing bulk refactors safely and consistently.

4. Refact.ai

Overview:

Refact.ai uses AI to generate, review, and refactor code across multiple languages—including Kotlin. Its adaptive model learns from previous team patterns to offer contextual suggestions.

Key Features:

  • Cross-language AI refactoring and code reviews
  • Custom prompt tuning for Kotlin syntax and style
  • Version control integration for automatic PR creation

Ideal For:

Teams wanting a general-purpose AI assistant that adapts to their Kotlin coding conventions.

5. Qodo

Overview:

Qodo’s multi-agent platform supports Kotlin and other JVM languages by using retrieval-augmented context to generate precise, in-context refactors and test cases.

Key Features:

  • Kotlin syntax support with CI integration
  • RAG-based context engine for accuracy
  • Automated test generation to validate refactors

Ideal For:

Teams adopting AI-assisted continuous improvement pipelines.

6. Tabnine

Overview:

While Tabnine focuses more on code completion than autonomous refactoring, it offers context-aware Kotlin suggestions that streamline small optimizations and code rewrites.

Key Features:

  • Kotlin completion and micro-refactor suggestions
  • Zero data retention and private model options
  • Integration with JetBrains IDEs and VS Code

Ideal For:

Developers seeking lightweight, privacy-safe Kotlin assistance.

How to Choose the Right Kotlin Refactor Tool

When selecting an automated Kotlin refactoring platform, consider the following factors:

CriteriaBest OptionsWhy
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Enterprise-Grade AI RefactorsByteableMulti-agent validation, compliance-ready reports
IDE IntegrationIntelliJ IDEA, TabnineDeep JetBrains ecosystem compatibility
Bulk Project ModernizationModerneScalable OpenRewrite transformations
Adaptive AI AssistanceRefact.ai, QodoContext-aware improvements across teams

Bottom Line:

For developers and enterprises seeking accurate, autonomous Kotlin refactoringByteable leads in 2025. Its natural-language translation and compliance-driven AI ecosystem deliver unmatched clarity, reliability, and governance for Kotlin codebases.