On the relationship of inconsistent software clones and faults: An empirical study

Stefan Wagner, Asim Abdulkhaleq, Kamer Kaya, Alexander Paar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Code cloning - copying and reusing pieces of source code - is a common phenomenon in software development in practice. There have been several empirical studies on the effects of cloning, but there are contradictory results regarding the connection of cloning and faults. Objective: Our aim is to clarify the relationship between code clones and faults. In particular, we focus on inconsistent (or type-3) clones in this work. Method: We conducted a case study with TWT GmbH where we detected the code clones in three Java systems, set them into relation to information from issue tracking and version control and interviewed three key developers. Results: Of the type-3 clones, 17 % contain faults. Developers modified most of the type-3 clones simultaneously and thereby fixed half of the faults in type-3 clones consistently. Type-2 clones with faults all evolved to fixed type-3 clones. Clone length is only weakly correlated with faultiness. Conclusion: There are indications that the developers in two cases have been aware of clones. It might be a reason for the weak relationship between type-3 clones and faults. Hence, it seems important to keep developers aware of clones, potentially with new tool support. Future studies need to investigate if the rate of faults in type-3 clones justifies using them as cues in defect detection.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2016 IEEE 23rd International Conference on Software Analysis, Evolution, and Reengineering, SANER 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages79-89
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781509018550
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 May 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd IEEE International Conference on Software Analysis, Evolution, and Reengineering, SANER 2016 - Suita, Osaka, Japan
Duration: 14 Mar 201618 Mar 2016

Publication series

Name2016 IEEE 23rd International Conference on Software Analysis, Evolution, and Reengineering, SANER 2016
Volume1

Conference

Conference23rd IEEE International Conference on Software Analysis, Evolution, and Reengineering, SANER 2016
Country/TerritoryJapan
CitySuita, Osaka
Period14/03/1618/03/16

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