Software clone detection: A systematic review

Context: Reusing software by means of copy and paste is a frequent activity in software development. The duplicated code is known as a software clone and the activity is known as code cloning. Software clones may lead to bug propagation and serious maintenance problems. Objective: This study reports an extensive systematic literature review of software clones in general and software clone detection in particular. Method: We used the standard systematic literature review method based on a comprehensive set of 213 articles from a total of 2039 articles published in 11 leading journals and 37 premier conferences and workshops. Results: Existing literature about software clones is classified broadly into different categories. The importance of semantic clone detection and model based clone detection led to different classifications. Empirical evaluation of clone detection tools/techniques is presented. Clone management, its benefits and cross cutting nature is reported. Number of studies pertaining to nine different types of clones is reported. Thirteen intermediate representations and 24 match detection techniques are reported. Conclusion: We call for an increased awareness of the potential benefits of software clone management, and identify the need to develop semantic and model clone detection techniques. Recommendations are given for future research. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.