Abstract-Many fault localization techniques operate by crosscutting coverage information of passed and failed test executions. Generally, their accuracy depends on the utilized coverage elements and on the selected test cases. This paper proposes a novel fault localization method using mutation and investigates its accuracy when using classical test selection criteria such as mutation, branch and block. A controlled experiment shows that (1) the mutation based approach is quite effective at identifying "unknown" faulty program statements. Additionally, the experimental results reveal (2) that the mutation-based test suites are significantly more effective at supporting fault localization than block or branchbased test suites. Further, (3) evidence in support of facilitating mutation alternatives, such as mutant sampling, in order to diminish mutation overheads is also given. *
Mutation-based fault localization such Metallaxis REF change than failing tests.
Using Mutants to Locate "Unknown" Faults
2012 IEEE Fifth International Conference on Software Testing, Verification and Validation
2012 IEEE Fifth International Conference on Software Testing, Verification and Validation
Computer Science