Optimization of the test case minimization algorithm based on forward-propagation in cause-effect graphs

Many different methods are used for generating blackbox test case suites. Test case minimization is used for reducing the feasible test case suite size in order to minimize the cost of testing while ensuring maximum fault detection. This paper presents an optimization of the existing test case minimization algorithm based on forward-propagation of the cause-effect graphing method. The algorithm performs test case prioritization based on test case strength, a newly introduced test case selection metric. The optimized version of the minimization algorithm was evaluated by using thirteen different examples from the available literature. In cases where the existing algorithm did not generate the minimum test case subsets, significant improvements of test effect coverage metric values were achieved. Test effect coverage metric values were not improved only in cases where maximum optimization was already achieved by using the existing algorithm.