JSCTracker: A Semantic Clone Detection Tool for Java Code
				  by
		  Rochelle Elva and Gary T. Leavens

			       Abstract

This paper presents a tool and algorithm for the detection of semantic
clones in Java methods.  For our purpose, semantic clones are defined
as functionally identical code fragments.  Thus, our detection process
operates on the premise that if two code fragments are semantic
clones, then their input-output behavior would be identical.  We adopt
a wholistic approach to the definition of input-output behavior by
including not only the return values of methods; but also their
effects as reflected in the pre- and post-states of the heap. We refer
to this as a method's IOE (input, output and effects)-behavior. Our
tool and algorithm are tested in a small case study using the open
source database management software DSpace and the reference
management software JabRef.

Keywords: semantic clone detection, input-output behavior, effects,
IOE behavior, Java language, JSCTracker.

2000 CR Categories:
D.2.0 [Software Engineering]
        General --- languages, tools, JSCTracker.