Foundations of Software Testing: Fundamental Algorithms and Techniques

Test-Adequacy Assessment Using Program Mutation

replacement of a binary arithmetic operator by a logical opera-

tor, for example &&, will lead to a valid program. Thus, all such

syntax-preserving replacements must be considered while defining

the range.

7.6 FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF MUTATION TESTING

Mutation testing is a powerful testing technique for achieving correct,

or close to correct, programs. It rests on two fundamental principles.

One principle is commonly known as the competent programmer hy-

pothesis or the competent programmer assumption. The other is known

as the coupling effect. We discuss these principles in Sections 7.6.1

and 7.6.2.

7.6.1 THE COMPETENT PROGRAMMER HYPOTHESIS

The competent programmer hypothesis (CPH) arises from a simple ob- ...