PyMut4SE: Comprehensive Mutation Testing for Python
TL;DR
PyMut4SE is a novel mutation tool for Python that focuses on a comprehensive set of mutations for any Python project, providing a rich and extensible set of mutation operators, access to mutated source code and its characteristics, detailed execution and behavioral observations, and support for both selective mutation and the generation of higher-order mutants.
Abstract
Mutation analysis involves examining the behavior of program mutants to identify meaningful behavioural differences, with the aim of supporting a wide range of software engineering activities, including testing, debugging, program improvement, change impact analysis, and the understanding of modified program behavior. A critical aspect of mutation analysis lies in the quality of the mutations employed, as inadequate mutation sets can lead to poor observations and, consequently, unreliable results. To address this challenge, we present PyMut4SE, a novel mutation tool for Python that focuses on a comprehensive set of mutations for any Python project. PyMut4SE stores mutants, along with their associated metadata and behavioral outcomes, in an SQLite database, allowing for a variety of downstream software engineering tasks. The tool is designed to support fundamental research in software engineering by providing a rich and extensible set of mutation operators, access to mutated source code and its characteristics, detailed execution and behavioral observations, and support for both selective mutation and the generation of higher-order mutants.
