Multi-Objective Optimization Model and Hierarchical Attention Networks for Mutation Testing

Abstract

Mutation testing is devised for measuring test suite adequacy by identifying the artificially induced faults in software. This paper presents a novel approach by considering multiobjectives-based optimization. Here, the optimal test suite generation is performed using the proposed water cycle water wave optimization (WCWWO). The best test suites are generated by satisfying the multi-objective factors, such as time of execution, test suite size, mutant score, and mutant reduction rate. The WCWWO is devised by a combination of the water cycle algorithm (WCA) and water wave optimization (WWO). The hierarchical attention network (HAN) is used for classifying the equivalent mutants by utilizing the MutPy tool. Furthermore, the performance of the developed WCWWO+HAN is evaluated in terms of three metrics—mutant score (MS), mutant reduction rate (MRR), and fitness—with the maximal MS of 0.585, higher MRR of 0.397, and maximum fitness of 0.652.