Foundations of Software Testing (Fundamental Algorithms and Techniques) by Pearson

Test-Adequacy Assessment Using Program Mutation

SUMMARY

This chapter offers a detailed introduction to mutation testing.

While mutation offers a powerful technique for software testing,

for some the technique might be difficult to understand, and hence

the details. We have described in detail a test-adequacy assessment

procedure using mutation. Once this procedure is understood, it

should not be difficult for a tester to invent variants to suit the

individual process needs.

A novice to mutation testing might go away believing that mutation

testing is intended to detect simple mistakes made by programmers.

While detection of simple mistakes is certainly