Investigating the Correlation between Mutation Score and Coverage Score

Strong test suites ensure the correctness and quality of software. Coverage and Mutation score are widespread metrics for evaluating the quality of a test suite. Mutation analysis process improves a test suite to obtain higher coverage scores. We investigate the correlation between the mutation score and coverage scores (branch, statement, method and class) based on an open source program with a comprehensive pool of test cases and analyse the result sets using Atlassian Clover[2] and PIT[1]. Our experimental study has shown that mutation analysis can be used to produce quality test cases and to improve coverage scores in a feasible amount of time.