What is the purpose of conducting mutation testing?

Mutation testing is a software testing technique used to evaluate the effectiveness of test cases by intentionally introducing small modifications or "mutations" to the code. The primary purpose of this approach is to ensure software quality by identifying how well the existing test cases can detect these changes.

When mutations are made to the code, they simulate potential errors that could occur in the software environment. The goal is to see if the current test cases can catch these intentional faults. If a test fails when a mutation is introduced, it indicates that the test is effective and capable of detecting errors. Conversely, if a test passes despite the code mutation, it suggests that there may be gaps in the test coverage that need to be addressed.

This method helps developers improve the robustness of their testing strategies by ensuring that tests are robust enough to catch potential defects, which ultimately leads to higher quality software. The process focuses primarily on enhancing test effectiveness, making it crucial for improving overall software reliability and performance.