Head-to-head · Code Clone Detection Tools
NiCad vs @kongyo2/similarity-ts
NiCad leads on 0 checks, @kongyo2/similarity-ts on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNiCad · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most features@kongyo2/similarity-ts · 2 of 3
NiCad scores higher on our rubric for code clone detection tools: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
On clone detection method, NiCad gives you Hybrid where @kongyo2/similarity-ts offers Ast.
NiCad is the better fit for research-grade configurable clone detection. @kongyo2/similarity-ts is the better fit for typeScript repositories needing CI clone gates.
- NiCad fits best
Research-grade configurable clone detection
- @kongyo2/similarity-ts fits best
TypeScript repositories needing CI clone gates
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | NiCad 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | @kongyo2/similarity-ts 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #4 in Code Clone Detection Tools | #6 in Code Clone Detection Tools |
| Best for | Research-grade configurable clone detection | TypeScript repositories needing CI clone gates |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features NiCad 1/3 · @kongyo2/similarity-ts 2/3 | ||
| CI integration | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| IDE integration | Not checked yet | — |
| Self-hosted option | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Clone detection method | Hybrid | Ast |
| Scan scope | Repository | Repository |
| Supported languages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | NiCad is a free, open-source command-line tool for detecting exact and near-miss code clones in software systems. It is aimed at researchers, engineering teams, and developers who need configurable repository analysis rather than a hosted… Read the review → |
@kongyo2/similarity-ts is an open-source TypeScript code-similarity CLI and library for finding duplicate or structurally similar code. It is aimed at teams maintaining TypeScript repositories, especially those that want clone detection as… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
NiCad — where it wins
- Detects exact and near-miss clones across repositories
- Supports configurable normalization, abstraction, filtering, and thresholds
- Produces clone-pair and clone-class reports in XML and HTML
Where it doesn't
- Command-line workflow may require Unix-like environments
- Language availability varies by version and distribution
- Self-hosted operation requires local setup and maintenance
@kongyo2/similarity-ts — where it wins
- AST scoring compares functions, types, and classes structurally
- Thresholds, exclusions, and scan-scope rules support tailored checks
- JSON output and CI failure gating fit automated quality workflows
Where it doesn't
- Focused on TypeScript and related file extensions
- No IDE integration is specified
- Self-hosted CLI workflows require local setup and maintenance
- NiCad8.8/10 · Free plan
A configurable, self-hosted choice for exact and near-miss clone analysis.
Visit NiCadFull verdict → - @kongyo2/similarity-ts8.6/10 · Free plan
A focused, self-hosted CLI for TypeScript clone checks and CI gates.
Visit kongyo2Full verdict →
More comparisons
- jscpd vs NiCad
- jscpd vs @kongyo2/similarity-ts
- art-dupl vs NiCad
- art-dupl vs @kongyo2/similarity-ts
- PMD vs NiCad
- PMD vs @kongyo2/similarity-ts
- NiCad vs Amimica
- NiCad vs QuickDup
All code clone detection tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update

