Test set size minimization and fault detection effectiveness: A case studyin a space application

An important question in software testing is whether it is reasonable to ap ply coverage-based criteria as a filter to reduce the size of a test set. A n empirical study was conducted using a test set minimization technique to explore the effect of reducing the size of a test set, while keeping block coverage constant, on the fault detection strength of the resulting minimiz ed test set. Two types of test sets were examined. For those with respect t o a fixed size, no test case screening was conducted during the generation, whereas for those with respect to a fixed coverage, each subsequent test c ase had to improve the overall coverage in order to be included. The study reveals that regardless of how a test set is generated, with or without any test case screening, block minimized test sets have a size/effectiveness a dvantage, in terms of a significant reduction in test set size and with alm ost the same fault detection effectiveness, over the original non-minimized test sets. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.