code-clone-assistant

# Code Clone Assistant

Detect code clones and guide refactoring using PMD CPD (exact duplicates) + Semgrep (patterns).

## Tools

- **PMD CPD v7.17.0+**: Exact duplicate detection
- **Semgrep v1.140.0+**: Pattern-based detection

**Tested**: October 2025 - 30 violations detected across 3 sample files
**Coverage**: ~3x more violations than using either tool alone

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## When to Use

Triggers: "find duplicate code", "DRY violations", "refactor similar code", "detect code duplication", "similar validation logic", "repeated patterns", "copy-paste code", "exact duplicates"

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## Why Two Tools?

PMD CPD and Semgrep detect different clone types:

| Aspect       | PMD CPD                          | Semgrep                          |
|--------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| **Detects**  | Exact copy-paste duplicates      | Similar patterns with variations |
| **Scope**    | Across files ✅                   | Within/across files (Pro only)   |
| **Matching** | Token-based (ignores formatting) | Pattern-based (AST matching)     |
| **Rules**    | ❌ No custom rules                | ✅ Custom rules                   |

**Result**: Using both finds ~3x more DRY violations.

### Clone Types

| Type   | Description                     | PMD CPD        | Semgrep    |
|--------|---------------------------------|----------------|------------|
| Type-1 | Exact copies                    | ✅ Default      | ✅          |
| Type-2 | Renamed identifiers             | ✅ `--ignore-*` | ✅          |
| Type-3 | Near-miss with variations       | ⚠️ Partial     | ✅ Patterns |
| Type-4 | Semantic clones (same behavior) | ❌              | ❌          |

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## Quick Start Workflow

```bash
# Step 1: Detect exact duplicates (PMD CPD)
pmd cpd -d . -l p