Mapping the structure and evolution of software testing research over the past three decades

Abstract

The field of software testing is growing and rapidly-evolving. Based on keywords assigned to publications, we seek to identify predominant research topics and understand how they are connected and have evolved. We apply co-word analysis to map the topology of testing research as a network where author-assigned keywords are connected by edges indicating co-occurrence in publications. Keywords are clustered based on edge density and frequency of connection. We examine the most popular keywords, summarize clusters into high-level research topics examine how topics connect, and examine how the field is changing. Testing research can be divided into 16 high-level topics and 18 subtopics. Creation guidance, automated test generation, evolution and maintenance, and test oracles have particularly strong connections to other topics, highlighting their multidisciplinary nature. Emerging keywords relate to web and mobile apps, machine learning, energy consumption, automated program repair and test generation, while emerging connections have formed between web apps, test oracles, and machine learning with many topics. Random and requirements-based testing show potential decline. Our observations, advice, and map data offer a deeper understanding of the field and inspiration regarding challenges and connections to explore. Editor’s note: Open Science material was validated by the Journal of Systems and Software Open Science Board.