ghidra-rename-and-retype

name	ghidra-rename-and-retype
description	Turn raw analysis into a cleaner knowledge base by renaming functions, variables, and data while applying signatures, comments, and types. Use when enough evidence exists to improve semantic clarity without guessing.
aliases	["semantic-recovery","ghidra-rename","ghidra-retype","signature-recovery"]
category	Developer Tools
tags	["reverse-engineering","ghidra","renaming","retyping","signatures","comments","structs"]
version	1.0.0
resolutionHints	["rename functions in ghidra","set prototype and comments","recover variable and type information"]
metadata	{"source":"evokore","derived_from":["GhidraMCP","ghidra-headless-mcp"]}

Ghidra Rename and Retype

Convert analysis notes into durable semantic improvements. Rename, comment, and retype only after the supporting evidence is explicit.

Workflow

1. Start from a confirmed function-analysis result.
2. Rename in this order:
   • function
   • globals/data labels
   • parameters
   • local variables
3. Add comments for:
   • behavior summary
   • argument meaning
   • protocol / file format meaning
   • unresolved caveats
4. Apply type improvements:
   • function signature
   • return type
   • variable types
   • parsed C definitions
   • structure filling from decompiler output when justified
5. Re-run decompilation and verify the output became clearer, not noisier.

Tool Families to Prefer

• ghidra_headless_function.rename
• ghidra_headless_variable.rename
• ghidra_headless_variable.retype
• ghidra_headless_function.signature.set
• ghidra_headless_function.return_type.set
• ghidra_headless_type.parse_c
• ghidra_headless_type.apply_at
• ghidra_headless_layout.struct.fill_from_decompiler

GhidraMCP-style equivalents:

• rename function
• rename data
• rename variable
• set function prototype
• set decompiler comment
• set disassembly comment

Guardrails

1. Avoid generic names like handler, func1, or process_data unless there is no stronger evidence.
2. Preserve uncertainty in the name when needed, for example maybe_parse_config.
3. Prefer short behavioral comments over long essays.
4. Batch related renames together so call chains stay coherent.

Deliverable Format

• Old name -> new name mappings
• Signature/type updates applied
• Comments added
• Remaining semantic gaps that still need evidence