Last updated on Monday, October 06, 2025
@inproceedings{VanBladelVST2023,
author = {Brent van Bladel and Serge Demeyer},
booktitle = {Proceedings {VST} 2023 (IEEE Workshop on Validation,
Analysis and Evolution of Software Tests)},
pages = {913 -- 920},
publisher = {IEEE},
title = {A Comparative Study of Code Clone Genealogies in Test
Code and Production Code},
year = {2023},
abstract = {Recent research has shown that clones occur far more
often in test code than in production code. This is
explained by the typical template of unit test code
(the setup-stimulate- verify-teardown cycle), a
template which lends itself well to parameterisation
of proven solutions. However, little is known on how
these clones evolve over time. In this paper, we
compare the evolution of clones in test code with
those in production code. Based on a quantitative and
qualitative study of eight representative open-source
systems, we conclude that clones in test code are
inherently different than clones in production code
throughout development. As a consequence, consistent
maintenance and tracking of test clones becomes more
important, hence the need for special purpose clone
tracking and management tools.},
annote = {workshoppaper},
doi = {10.1109/SANER56733.2023.00110},
}