A new data mining-based framework to test case prioritization using software defect prediction

Test cases do not have the same importance when used to detect faults in software; therefore, it is more efficient to test the system with the test cases that have the ability to detect the faults. This research proposes a new framework that combines data mining techniques to prioritize the test cases. It enhances fault prediction and detection using two different techniques: 1) the data mining regression classifier that depends on software metrics to predict defective modules, and 2) the k-means clustering technique that is used to select and prioritize test cases to identify the fault early. Our approach of test case prioritization yields good results in comparison with other studies. The authors used the Average Percentage of Faults Detection (APFD) metric to evaluate the proposed framework, which results in 19.9% for all system modules and 25.7% for defective ones. Our results give us an indication that it is effective to start the testing process with the most defective modules instead of testing all modules arbitrary arbitrarily. Copyright © 2017, IGI Global.