Current Status of Source Code Mutation Testing in JVM Environments

Bc. Jakub Možucha

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Mutačné testovanie je metóda hodnotiaca kvalitu softwarových testov, založená na vkladaní malých modifikácií do zdrojového kódu. Aktívne vyvíjaná je už viac ako 40 rokov až po súčasnosť. Napriek tomu, sú ešte stále problémy s globálnym využitím tejto metódy v softwarovom priemysle, pretože porovnaním k iným testovacím metódam je považovaná za veľmi výpočtovo náročnú. Cieľom tejto práce je preto určiť, ako môže byť tento prístup využiteľný softwarovými spoločnosťami.

Abstract:

Mutation Testing is a powerful method for the evaluation of software tests quality based on the idea of single small modifications to source code. It has an active research state with a history of more than 40 years. However, there is a problem with the adoption of this method industry-wide, as it is seen mostly as a resource-intensive activity compared to other testing methods. For this reason, the final outcome of the thesis is to evaluate, how much such approach can be useful to be adopted by a software company. For this, we have several aims. First to describe the main concepts behind mutation testing as well as their integration into JVM environment. Subsequently to evaluate, whether there are existing tools automating mutation testing in JVM environment, to be applied to real projects and to be integrated into the development cycle of software companies.

Keywords

Mutation Testing, JVM, Java, Equivalent Mutants, Mutation Operators, Class-level Operators, PITest, Judy, Cost Reducing Strategies

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 5. 2016

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 6. 2016
• Supervisor: PhD Bruno Rossi
• Reader: RNDr. Andrij Stecko, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Informatics

Master programme / field:
Informatics / Information Systems