A novel use of equivalent mutants for static anomaly detection in software artifacts

摘要: Equivalent mutants are usually seen as an inconvenience in mutation analysis.We claim that equivalent can be useful to detect and remove static anomalies.A process for detecting anomalies is proposed.The based on mutation, equivalence checking, quality measurement.The applicable different kinds of software artifacts. Context: In analysis, a mutant artifact, either program or model, said if it leaves the artifact meaning unchanged. they reduce applicability analysis.Objective: Instead, we here define, detect, anomalies, i.e., deficiencies given qualities: If has better value than original then anomaly been found removed.Method: We present measurement.Results: Our proposal originating technique conduct several experiments contexts, at specification, design, implementation level.Conclusion: analysis new research direction should followed, which operators generating them welcome.