## How can you modify Python source code while preserving formatting and comments?

Modifying Python Source Code Using AST

Parsing, modifying, and writing back Python source code is a valuable task for tasks such as mutation testing. While standard Python modules provide methods to parse and compile code, they lack the ability to modify and rewrite the source code.

To address this need, several libraries offer solutions:

• lib2to3: Used by Pythoscope and 2to3, this library preserves comments during the source-AST-source cycle.
• Rope: Suitable for refactoring and transformations, Rope offers more advanced features.
• ast: The Python AST module provides a convenient option for AST transformations. However, it is primarily designed for code transformations before execution.
• Redbaron: This project offers a framework for modifying Python source code at the AST level, making it a valuable choice for mutation testing.

By leveraging these libraries, developers can programmatically edit Python source code, preserving formatting and comments while enabling modifications such as deleting function declarations. This capability empowers mutation testing libraries and other automated code modification applications.

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