textattack-nlp-transformer/textattack/search_methods/search_method.py

from textattack.shared.utils import default_class_repr


class SearchMethod:
    """
    This is an abstract class that contains main helper functionality for 
    search methods. A search method is a strategy for applying transformations
    until the goal is met or the search is exhausted.
    """

    def __call__(self, initial_result):
        """
        Ensures access to necessary functions, then calls ``_perform_search``\.
        """
        if not hasattr(self, "get_transformations"):
            raise AttributeError(
                "Search Method must have access to get_transformations method"
            )
        if not hasattr(self, "get_goal_results"):
            raise AttributeError(
                "Search Method must have access to get_goal_results method"
            )
        return self._perform_search(initial_result)

    def _perform_search(self, initial_result):
        """
        Perturbs `attacked_text` from ``initial_result`` until goal is reached or search is 
        exhausted. Must be overridden by specific search methods.
        """
        raise NotImplementedError()

    def check_transformation_compatibility(self, transformation):
        """
        Determines whether this search method is compatible with ``transformation``. 
        """
        return True

    def extra_repr_keys(self):
        return []

    __repr__ = __str__ = default_class_repr