Performance comparison of Bat search and Cuckoo search using software artefact infrastructure repository and regression testing

Regression testing is conducted to ensure that no new errors have been introduced into the software as a result of the maintenance activity performed. Re-executing all the existing test cases is however a highly expensive and time consuming approach to gain this confidence. Previous research revealed that nature inspired algorithms have vast application in this area. In this paper, Bat search algorithm is tested against Cuckoo search algorithm to solve regression test case selection problem. Two factors: number of faults covered and computational time are considered for the comparison. Extensive experiments have been conducted over the objects adopted from benchmarked software artifact infrastructure repository. Rigorous statistical tests are conducted to draw a conclusion that Cuckoo search is marginally advantageous over Bat search algorithm with respect to performance parameters. We believe that the results reported in this paper will enable researchers to develop more powerful algorithm for testing in near future.