Eclipse>WST>JSDT Javascript Refactoring Renaming variables working half of the time

Question

In Eclipse (I am running 3.8.0 @ Linux (Mint 14 (Ubuntu (Debian))) at the moment), renaming variables using Refactor is an option that seems randomly available. For some code it's there, and for other code it's not.

I tried to see a pattern why some var declarations are up for renaming and others are not, but I haven't found it yet.

Why does refactor->rename not work for some code? How can I make this work?

You can see by the highlighted references that Eclipse is very aware of what should be refactored, so I don't understand what the problem is.

No problem:

Problem:

Ladino

Answer 1

You can always use Ctrl + 2 + R (Press R after appearing a small dropdown) to refactor the variable... [ Got it by chance ].

Update

working on Eclipse Neon... can't say about other older version. because it is the latest stable version at the time I am writing the answer.

Update 3-May-2017

one drawback is that it replaces all occurrences of that variable in the file. special care is required.

Pressley

Answer 2

I noticed that renaming is not available, when the project is not a JS project or if I open it with the non-default JS editor. (Spket JS Editor in my case.)

So try this:

• Make sure in your .project file jsNature is set.

E.g. (In my case I have JS code inside a Java project):

<natures>
    <nature>org.eclipse.jdt.core.javanature</nature>
    <nature>org.eclipse.wst.jsdt.core.jsNature</nature>
</natures>

• Right click file -> Open with -> JavaScript Editor

Works for my using Eclipse Kepler.

Corbeil

Sometimes Eclipse tells me "refactoring cannot be performed, since its input variable does not exist". --> Just click OK, then CTRL+Z (undo) until all instances of the variable are renamed. – Corbeil

Answer 3

I can rename the local variable under Aptana Studio 3.0 (Eclipse based) with the JSDT "JavaScript Editor" and in the screenshot shown JS function: https://i.sstatic.net/qnkJj.jpg

Waylin

This doesn't really address the OP's problem. You may be able to do this, but he's asking why he can't. Do you know of a difference between your system and his? – Purloin

Thanks for the efford, but like Mike W said, this doesn't really give me a clue. I am wondering if it makes a difference whether you're running Aptana as stand-alone software or as an Eclipse plugin? – Ladino