Managing code clones using dynamic change tracking and resolution

Abstract

Code cloning is widely recognized as a threat to the maintainability of source code. As such, many clone detection and removal strategies have been proposed. However, some clones can often not be removed easily so other strategies, based on clone management need to be developed. In this paper we describe a clone management strategy based on dynamically inferring clone relations by monitoring clipboard activity. We introduce CLONEBOARD, our Eclipse plug-in implementation that is able to track live changes to clones and offers several resolution strategies for inconsistently modified clones. We perform a user study with seven subjects to assess the adequacy, usability and effectiveness of CLONEBOARD, the results of which show that developers actually see the added value of such a tool but have strict requirements with respect to its usability.