An AST-based tool, spector, for plagiarism detection: The approach, functionality, and implementation

Abstract

We propose a methodology using abstract syntax trees for the detection of plagiarism in source code, within an academic environment. We show the architecture and decisions that came before we produce our own solution (Spector), after conducting a study of the methods and tools in existence. An example is then shown, which goes through and explains each of the algorithms steps. Finally, conclusions are drawn noting that such a system, while not the most efficient, produces accurate results.