Mutation Testing in the Refinement Calculus

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses mutation testing strategies in the context of refinement. Here, a novel generalisation of mutation testing techniques is presented to be applied to contracts ranging from formal specifications to programs. It is demonstrated that refinement and its dual abstraction are the key notions leading to a precise and yet simple theory of mutation testing. The refinement calculus of Back and von Wright is used to express concepts like contracts, useful mutations, test cases and test coverage.