Scenario-Based Comparison of Clone Detection Techniques

Over the last decade many techniques for software clone detection have been proposed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the capabilities of currently available clone detection techniques. We begin with an overall survey based on criteria that capture the main features of detection techniques. We then propose a set of hypothetical editing scenarios for different clone types, and evaluate the techniques based on their estimated potential to accurately detect clones that may be created by those scenarios.