Keynote

Rob Hierons, Brunel University, UK Rob Hierons received a BA in Mathematics (Trinity College, Cambridge), and a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Brunel University). He then joined the Department of Mathematical and Computing Sciences at Goldsmiths College, University of London, before returning to Brunel University in 2000. He was promoted to full Professor in 2003.

 
Title: Semantic Mutation Testing

Abstract: Mutation testing uses operators to simulate potential faults in a software artefact. Traditional mutation operators make small syntactic changes and so can be seen as simulating slips made by the developer. However, a developer might make mistakes in their understanding of the semantics of the language used; in semantic mutation testing we simulate such potential misunderstandings through semantic mutation operators. The aim is therefore to capture a different class of possible mistake. This talk will describe semantic mutation testing and scenarios in which it might be particularly valuable and will say a little about our experiences in applying it to drive testing to find floating point comparison problems in C code.