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Rename

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description Rename Overview

Rename is a JetBrains refactoring action that changes a symbol's name and updates the references the IDE can resolve. It applies to supported code elements such as methods and variables, with exact capabilities depending on the IDE and language. This makes it different from a plain text replacement, which cannot reliably distinguish unrelated uses of the same word.

Supported workflows can also search comments or other text for additional occurrences. The feature suits developers maintaining large projects, including supported native-language codebases using C or C++. Swift and Objective-C support depends on the particular product. Its practical value is reducing missed references during a naming change.

Configuration files and documentation are not universally updated, so the change preview remains useful for checking what the IDE found and what requires manual attention.

help Rename FAQ

What happens to code comments when using the JetBrains Rename refactoring tool?

The Rename refactoring tool in JetBrains IDEs searches and updates occurrences of the symbol in code comments and string literals. Users can preview these textual changes before committing the refactor across their codebase.

How do I trigger the Rename shortcut in IntelliJ IDEA?

The default keyboard shortcut to trigger the Rename refactoring in IntelliJ IDEA is Shift + F6. This highlights the selected symbol and allows you to safely rename variables, methods, classes, and files.

Can JetBrains Rename refactoring update test files automatically?

Yes, the JetBrains IDE will automatically search for usages of the symbol in your test files and other related classes. You can also specify the scope of the search, ensuring the rename only affects specific directories if needed.

Does the JetBrains Rename refactoring feature work across different programming languages?

The Rename refactoring tool works across all supported languages in JetBrains IDEs, including Java, Python, Kotlin, and JavaScript. The behavior is tailored to the specific language's syntax and structural rules.