An open-source SDK for finding dead code

Reaper, an open-source SDK developed by Emerge Tools, aims to simplify the process of identifying and removing dead code from iOS and Android applications. Unlike static analysis tools, which inspect code without execution, Reaper employs runtime analysis to detect unused code by monitoring real user interactions, providing a dynamic approach to code management. This tool, which helped companies like Duolingo eliminate unnecessary code, is now available to the public and allows for integration with custom backends and servers. By identifying dead code, Reaper addresses various challenges associated with excessive code, such as increased security vulnerabilities, bugs, and slower build processes. The SDK for iOS operates by analyzing Objective-C and Swift runtime metadata without adding operational overhead, while the Android version involves build-time instrumentation with the Emerge Tools Gradle plugin to track class usage. Reaper's open-source release is positioned as a response to the evolving landscape of code creation and maintenance, encouraging better code management practices amidst the rise of generative AI in software development.