Standard code coverage analysis provides insight into execution paths exercised by a testing scheme. Mutation testing takes this notion a step further and offers a deep down investigation (through code modification or removal) of the impact each line of production code makes on the whole test. This approach has been known for over 30 years circling mainly within academic communities and only recently has it been rediscovered and introduced to the benefit of commercial solutions. Mutation testing technique which focuses on partitioning the code on per line basis with regards to influence on the logic put under test provides actual (as opposed to artificial and synthetic) view on tests quality.
The presentation will provide solutions and answers to the following:
- What is mutation testing?
- Why use it?
- Limitations and drawbacks
- Why only now does it start to get traction?
- How to prepare your project for mutation testing?
- Is there a case for it in the enterprise?
This presentation is meant for software development-involved individuals who want to learn more about mutation testing, what advantages over traditional coverage scheme it offers and how to apply the idea to their existing codebase. Although not required, some knowledge on test automation and coverage would be beneficial to the attendee.
The introduction to mutation testing will be language agnostic. Presented tools can be used only with Java code.
