MetaExploreX: A Visualisation Tool for Selecting and Constraining Metamorphic Relations

Metamorphic relations define the expected output changes resulting from specific input changes in the metamorphic testing (MT) approach. However, selecting suitable MRs is a complex task. Our previous work introduced MetaTrimmer, a test-data-driven method that simplifies MR selection and provides constraints based on test data. MetaTrimmer comprises three main steps: Test Data Generation (TD Generation), MT Process, and MR Analysis. The current MR Analysis step involves executing scripts through the command prompt, conducting manual inspections of violation and non-violation results, and identifying specific test data or ranges where the MR is applicable to derive constraints. Extracting these constraints requires manual inspection of the collected data, including the test data, transformed test data, SUT outputs, and MR violation status. Through experiments with MetaTrimmer, we observed the laborious and time-consuming nature of the manual inspection. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of MR analysis, we propose MetaExploreX, a tool that supports visualisation and data exploration capabilities. MetaExploreX aims to reduce the burden of manual analysis and inspection, improving the selection and constraint extraction process for MRs.