A novel approach based on formal methods for clone detection

This paper presents an approach based on formal methods for detecting code clones. The methodology followed performs the analysis on Java bytecode, which is transformed into CCS (Calculus of Communicating Systems) processes which are successively checked for equivalence. A prototype tool targeted at the detection of Type 2 clones is presented. The experiments conducted on programs of different size assess the validity of the proposed approach, pointing out possible improvements for future research.