What is Mutation Analysis?
Mutation analysis (MA) is a field of computer science involving the mutation of source code by introducing statements or modifying existing statements in small ways. The mutations are based on well-defined mutation operators that either (1) mimic typical user mistakes (such as using the wrong operator or variable name) or (2) force the creation of valuable tests (such as driving each expression to zero). The purpose is to help the tester develop effective tests or locate weaknesses in the test data used for the program or in sections of the code that are seldom or never accessed during execution.
