How Accurate Is MOSS? Understanding Its Strengths and Limits
Last updated
Last updated
MOSS (Measure of Software Similarity) is a widely used tool for detecting code plagiarism in programming assignments. While MOSS is effective in identifying copied code, it has limitations that educators and institutions should consider.
Strengths of MOSS:
Detects Code Similarities – identifies copied code, even with modifications like renaming variables or rearranging functions.
Ignores Formatting Changes – It focuses on logic rather than superficial edits like spacing or indentation.
Supports Multiple Languages – Works with Python, Java, C++, and more.
Where MOSS Falls Short:
Limited to Internal Comparisons – It does not check against online sources or AI-generated code.
Prone to False Positives – Similar logic may be flagged, even when independently written.
Can Be Circumvented – Advanced modifications can bypass detection.
Unlike MOSS, Codequiry’s Moss Plagiarism Checker provides a more advanced solution. It compares code against billions of online sources, detects AI-generated code, and delivers detailed similarity reports with visual insights.
Check Code Plagiarism effortlessly with Codequiry and uphold academic integrity with the most comprehensive plagiarism detection.