View in EDS

PSC‐SBFL : Combining PSC With SBFL to Improve Software Fault Localization.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: PSC‐SBFL : Combining PSC With SBFL to Improve Software Fault Localization.
Authors: Guo, Zhonghao1 (AUTHOR) 11915036@zju.edu.cn, Ji, Siwei1 (AUTHOR), Xu, Xinyue1 (AUTHOR), Chen, Xiangxian1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Software Testing: Verification & Reliability. Aug2025, Vol. 35 Issue 5, p1-21. 21p.
Subjects: Regression testing (Computer science), Computer software quality control, Computer software testing, Defect tracking (Computer software development), Software failures, Dynamic testing
Abstract: Regression testing aims to confirm that program changes do not disrupt existing functionalities. Automated fault localization improves quality and efficiency of regression testing. Spectrum‐based fault localization (SBFL) is adept at identifying faults in program statements using test case execution data. However, SBFL overlooks faults due to structural anomalies and cannot detect nonexistent or redundant statements. This study introduces program structure check (PSC) to address the issue. In regression testing, historical program versions provide valuable information for fault localization. PSC compares the structure of the program being tested with programs of historical versions to find structural differences, like missing code. This increases suspicion scores at these locations. Experimental findings show PSC detects over 90% of structural bugs, with over 76% ranked highest on the suspicion list. We combine PSC with SBFL, termed PSC‐SBFL, and test it on a publicly available program suite and a program suite from a real‐world project to assess bug location effects. Results indicate that adding PSC to SBFL enhances bug ranking by approximately 93% and reduces manual code checking by about 34% when all bugs are identified. Compared with another SBFL‐based method, PSC‐SBFL demonstrates superior bug localization. These findings underscore how combining PSC and SBFL algorithms enhances bug localization accuracy, expedites bug identification and boosts software quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Software Testing: Verification & Reliability is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Regression testing aims to confirm that program changes do not disrupt existing functionalities. Automated fault localization improves quality and efficiency of regression testing. Spectrum‐based fault localization (SBFL) is adept at identifying faults in program statements using test case execution data. However, SBFL overlooks faults due to structural anomalies and cannot detect nonexistent or redundant statements. This study introduces program structure check (PSC) to address the issue. In regression testing, historical program versions provide valuable information for fault localization. PSC compares the structure of the program being tested with programs of historical versions to find structural differences, like missing code. This increases suspicion scores at these locations. Experimental findings show PSC detects over 90% of structural bugs, with over 76% ranked highest on the suspicion list. We combine PSC with SBFL, termed PSC‐SBFL, and test it on a publicly available program suite and a program suite from a real‐world project to assess bug location effects. Results indicate that adding PSC to SBFL enhances bug ranking by approximately 93% and reduces manual code checking by about 34% when all bugs are identified. Compared with another SBFL‐based method, PSC‐SBFL demonstrates superior bug localization. These findings underscore how combining PSC and SBFL algorithms enhances bug localization accuracy, expedites bug identification and boosts software quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09600833
DOI:10.1002/stvr.70007