Optimization in Software Testing Using Metaheuristics

There are Software Test problems that may not be solved with traditional software engineering techniques.Nevertheless, such problems may be modeled mathematically in order to be solved with mathematical optimization, specially with the use of metaheuristics. In this context, a new research field called Search based Software Engineering (SBSE), which deals with solving software engineering problems by means of optimization techniques, has emerged. Given the significance of the Software Testing phase, a specific subarea called Search Based Software Testing (SBST) has become increasingly important. This paper presents the current state of the area and summarizes its future potential. Initially, we describe the main metaheuristics techniques used in the area. We follow with the presentation of the state of the art of SBST through the description of the main problems that have already been modeled and the results achieved. From the results, we can realize the promise of this field.