Poster: Aiding Java Developers with Interactive Fault Localization in Eclipse IDE

Abstract

Spectrum-Based ones are a popular class of Fault Localization (FL) methods among researchers due to their relative simplicity. However, recent studies highlighted some barriers to the wider adoption of the technique in practical settings. One possibility to increase the practical usefulness of related tools is to involve interactivity between the user and the core FL algorithm. In this setting, the developer interacts with the fault localization algorithm by giving feedback on the elements proposed by the algorithm. This way, the proposed elements can be influenced in the hope to reach the faulty element earlier (we call the proposed approach Interactive Fault Localization, or iFL). With this work, we present our recent achievements in this topic. In particular, we overview the basic approach, our preliminary experimentation with user simulation, and the supporting tool for the actual usage of the method, iFL for Eclipse. Our aim is to provide a basis for the investigation of the feasibility and effectiveness of the technique, before moving on to more comprehensive experiments with actual human subjects. We invite researchers for further discussion on the topic, and for that, the method and tool will be made accessible.