A Test Restoration Method based on Genetic Algorithm for effective fault localization in multiple-fault programs

Automatic fault localization is essential for software engineering. However, suffers from the interactions among multiple faults. Our previous research revealed that fault-coupling effect responsible weakened performance in multiple-fault programs. On basis of this finding, we propose a Test Case Restoration Method based on Genetic Algorithm (TRGA) to search potential coupling test cases and conduct restoration process eliminating effect. The major contributions current study are as follows: (1) construction fitness function measure possibility failed becoming cases; (2) development TRGA searches (3) an evaluation efficiency across 14 open-source programs, three spectrum-based localizations, two parallel debugging techniques. results outperformed original techniques 74.28% 78.57% scenarios best worst cases, respectively. average, percentage improvement was 4.43% case 2% case. A detailed discussion parameter settings also provided.