Batch-optimistic test-cases generation using genetic algorithms

Abstract

This paper proposes a dynamic software testing framework, which is able to analyse the source code of a program, create the necessary data structures for automatic testing, such as control flow graphs, and generate a near to optimum set of test cases with reference to a test coverage criterion. The framework consists of two sub-systems: The first is a program analysis system that identifies the type of statements and the complexity of conditions, performs analysis of variables, extracts code paths and creates the control flow graph (CFG) of the program under testing. The second is a test system that uses the CFG for automatically generating test data based on evolutionary computing. The latter system utilises a specially designed genetic algorithm to produce the set of test cases satisfying the selected coverage criterion. The efficacy and performance of the proposed testing approach is assessed and validated using a variety of sample programs. © 2007 IEEE.