AI-Driven Code Refactoring: Using Graph Neural Networks to Enhance Software Maintainability

Abstract: This study explores Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) as a transformative tool for code refactoring, using abstract syntax trees (ASTs) to boost software maintainability. It analyzes a dataset of 2 million snippets from CodeSearchNet and a custom 75000-file GitHub Python corpus, comparing GNNs against rule-based SonarQube and decision trees. Metrics include cyclomatic complexity (target below 10), coupling (target below 5), and refactoring precision. GNNs achieve 92% accuracy, reducing complexity by 35% and coupling by 33%, outperforming SonarQube (78%, 16%) and decision trees (85%, 25%). Preprocessing fixed 60% of syntax errors. Bar graphs, tables, and AST visuals clarify results. This offers a scalable AI-driven path to cleaner codebases, which is crucial for software engineering.