Feasibility Analysis: Refactoring MyCoder from TypeScript to Clojure/Babashka

[bhouston]

Overview

This issue analyzes the feasibility and implications of refactoring the entire MyCoder codebase from TypeScript to Clojure with Babashka runtime.

Current Codebase Assessment

• MyCoder is a TypeScript/JavaScript monorepo with three main packages:

  • cli: Command-line interface for MyCoder
  • agent: Core AI agent system
  • docs: Documentation website

• The codebase consists of approximately 108 TypeScript files

• Uses modern JavaScript/TypeScript features and ecosystem tools

• Has a well-structured architecture with clear separation of concerns

• Relies on npm/pnpm for package management

• Has an established testing framework (Vitest)

Key Dependencies

• LLM integrations (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI)
• Browser automation via Playwright
• Various Node.js utilities and libraries
• Semantic release for versioning

Clojure/Babashka Capabilities

• Clojure is a dynamic, functional programming language that runs on the JVM
• Babashka is a native Clojure scripting runtime with fast startup time
• Babashka includes many built-in libraries for scripting tasks
• Supports multi-threading and has good interop capabilities

Refactoring Implications

Potential Benefits

• Functional programming paradigm may align well with AI agent workflows
• Immutable data structures could simplify state management
• Clojure's macro system could provide powerful abstractions
• Babashka offers fast startup times for CLI applications
• Potential for more concise code in some areas

Challenges and Considerations

1. Ecosystem Compatibility:

   • Need to find/create Clojure equivalents for all current dependencies
   • LLM client libraries would need to be rewritten or wrapped
   • Browser automation would require interop with Playwright or alternative solutions

2. Development Infrastructure:

   • Complete rewrite of build system, testing framework, and CI/CD pipeline
   • New deployment processes for all components
   • Developer experience changes requiring team retraining

3. Maintenance Burden:

   • Parallel maintenance during transition period
   • Documentation updates across the entire codebase
   • Potential for regressions during rewrite

4. Community Impact:

   • Smaller ecosystem and community compared to TypeScript/JavaScript
   • Fewer available libraries and integrations
   • Steeper learning curve for new contributors

5. Time and Resource Investment:

   • Complete rewrite would require significant developer time
   • Extensive testing to ensure feature parity
   • Potential delays in roadmap for new features

Recommendation

Before proceeding with a full refactoring effort, consider:

1. Creating a proof-of-concept for a limited component to evaluate feasibility
2. Starting with a smaller, non-critical package to test the approach
3. Evaluating specific pain points in the current TypeScript implementation that Clojure might address
4. Considering a gradual approach where new features are written in Clojure while maintaining existing TypeScript code

Next Steps

• Gather input from team members on this analysis
• Create a small proof-of-concept implementation of a core component
• Benchmark TypeScript vs Clojure implementations for key workflows
• Develop a more detailed migration plan if the team decides to proceed

[bhouston]

Issue Triage Analysis

Thank you for this comprehensive feasibility analysis for refactoring MyCoder from TypeScript to Clojure/Babashka. I've conducted a thorough review of the codebase to assess the feasibility and implications of this proposal.

Categorization

• Issue Type: Enhancement (architectural change proposal)
• Labels Applied: enhancement, help wanted

Codebase Analysis Summary

I've analyzed the current MyCoder codebase and found:

1. Size and Structure:

   • 108 TypeScript files (~14K lines of code)
   • Monorepo with 3 main packages (agent: 90 files, cli: 16 files, docs: 2 files)
   • Moderately complex architecture with well-defined separation of concerns

2. TypeScript-Specific Features:

   • Extensive use of TypeScript's type system (interfaces, union types, generics)
   • Heavy reliance on async/await patterns
   • ES Modules with modern JavaScript features
   • Class-based implementations for key components

3. Critical Dependencies:

   • LLM integration libraries (@anthropic-ai/sdk, openai, ollama)
   • Browser automation via Playwright
   • CLI framework (yargs)
   • Schema validation (zod)
   • Various Node.js utilities

4. Build & Testing:

   • Vitest for testing (36 test files)
   • PNPM workspace for monorepo management
   • TypeScript compilation
   • GitHub Actions for CI/CD

Migration Feasibility Assessment

Challenges:

1. Paradigm Shift: Major shift from imperative/OOP to functional programming
2. Type System: Replacing TypeScript's static typing with Clojure's dynamic typing + spec
3. Async Model: Adapting extensive async/await patterns to Clojure's concurrency model
4. Ecosystem Gaps: Finding equivalent Clojure libraries for all current dependencies
5. Developer Experience: Potential learning curve for team members not familiar with Clojure
6. Maintenance Burden: Parallel maintenance during transition period

Potential Benefits:

1. Functional Paradigm: May align well with agent workflows
2. Immutable Data: Could simplify state management
3. Concurrency Model: Potentially better handling of parallel operations
4. Startup Time: Babashka offers fast startup for CLI applications
5. Code Conciseness: Potentially more concise code in some areas

Recommendation

I agree with the approach suggested in the issue:

1. Proof of Concept: Create a small proof-of-concept for a limited component
2. Gradual Approach: Consider starting with a smaller, non-critical package
3. Specific Pain Points: Evaluate specific areas where Clojure might provide significant benefits
4. Team Input: Gather feedback from the development team on this proposal

This approach allows for incremental evaluation without committing to a full rewrite upfront.

Next Steps

1. Community Input: Since this is a major architectural decision, it would be valuable to get input from the wider community
2. Benchmarking: Create benchmarks comparing TypeScript vs. Clojure implementations for key workflows
3. Learning Resources: If proceeding, compile Clojure/Babashka learning resources for the team
4. Migration Plan: Develop a detailed migration strategy if the team decides to move forward

I'm happy to provide further analysis or answer any questions about this assessment.

[bhouston]

I've created a follow-up issue to propose a proof-of-concept implementation as suggested in the feasibility analysis:

#396 Create Clojure/Babashka Proof of Concept for a Core Component

This will allow for a more concrete evaluation of the migration approach with a smaller, manageable scope before making decisions about the larger refactoring effort.