Intelligent code difference processing using code clone detection

摘要

The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for intelligent code differencing employing code clone detection technology. A large, complex source code change (e.g., moving and renaming functions across source files) may involve edits in multiple source files. As such, developers and/or code reviewers may have a difficult time identifying the large and complex changes, and determining which changes are most significant, using existing code differencing tools. Using code clone detection technology, different types of changes, either across source files or inside a particular source file may be determined. The changes can be categorized as new, duplicated, and deleted code snippets or functions, and moved, renamed or modified functions. For changes categorized as duplicated or modified, further categorization by the level of importance of the change can be made. For example, the change can be trivial, minor or significant. Visualization of the changes further provides intuitive understanding of the changes.