A method for generating changes and updating existing files and code in a computer program, wherein the method comprises reading existing source code and existing object code in the computer program. Then, reading a plurality of associated files to the source code, and executing a utility program. The utility program updates the target source code and the object code associated with the target source code. Targets may be specified with either glob-type patterns using the standard shell wild cards, or regular expression patterns. The utility program also includes scripting language and can specify particular characters to search for in the target code and the associated code. A target code list is generated for the source code and the associated object code by using the utility program, and the target code and the associated code are updated by employing a search technique specified in the utility program.