DevOps & Tooling / Knowledge library
Mutation Testing
Introduces small code changes to see whether tests detect them
Why learn Mutation Testing?
It measures test-suite sensitivity rather than line execution alone
The problem it solves
It reveals assertions that run code but fail to protect behavior
Where it came from
Mutation Testing is a software testing technique that introduces small code changes to see whether tests detect them. Its guarantees and tradeoffs depend on the concrete implementation and operating context.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Define Mutation Testing and distinguish it from a neighboring concept.
- Choose a realistic task where Mutation Testing is appropriate.
- Identify a failure mode caused by misusing Mutation Testing.
- Interpret a small design or result involving Mutation Testing.
- Explain one tradeoff or limitation of Mutation Testing.
Documentation and sources
- ISTQB Glossary (glossary.istqb.org)