Test Data Generation and Selection Using Levy Flight-Based Firefly Algorithm

Abstract

This article discusses the application of an improved version of the firefly algorithm for the test suite optimization problem. Software test optimization refers to optimizing test data generation and selection for structural testing criteria for white box testing. This will subsequently reduce the two most costly activities performed during testing: time and cost. Recently, various search-based approaches proved very interesting results for the software test optimization problem. Also, due to no free lunch theorem, scientists are continuously searching for more efficient and convergent methods for the optimization problem. In this paper, firefly algorithm is modified in a way that local search ability is improved. Levy flights are incorporated into the firefly algorithm. This modified algorithm is applied to the software test optimization problem. This is the first application of Levy-based firefly algorithm for software test optimization. Results are shown and compared with some existing metaheuristic approaches.