Code Clone Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Code clone refers to code snippets that are copied and pasted with or without modifications. In recent years, traditional approaches for clone detection combine with other domains for better detection of a clone. This paper discusses the systematic literature review of machine learning techniques used in code clone detection. This study provides insights into various tools and techniques developed for clone detection by implementing machine learning approaches and how effectively those tools and techniques to identify clones. The authors perform a systematic literature review on studies selected from popular computer science-related digital online databases from January 2004 to January 2020. The software system and datasets used for analyzing tools and techniques are mentioned. A neural network machine learning technique is primarily used for the identification of the clone. Clone detection based on a program dependency graph must be explored in the future because it carries semantic information of code fragments.