# GUI test case minimization using sequence mining

**Authors:** Raheela Ambreen, Tamim Ahmed Khan, Sajid Anwar, Sajid Anwar, Sajid Anwar

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339996 · PLOS One · 2026-02-19

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to reduce GUI test cases using sequence mining, saving time while keeping high test coverage.

## Contribution

A novel sequence mining approach for GUI test case minimization using K-Means clustering and search-based selection.

## Key findings

- The method reduces test cases by 45% while maintaining over 95% coverage.
- Execution time is decreased by 38% compared to the original test suite.

## Abstract

Graphical User Interface (GUI) testing is a crucial aspect of software quality assurance, ensuring that the user-facing components correctly reflect the underlying business logic. Regression testing validates that software continues to function as expected after modifications or integration with other systems. However, executing large test suites repeatedly is time-consuming and resource-intensive. To address this, test case minimization techniques aim to reduce the number of test cases without compromising coverage.

In this work, we propose a sequence recording technique for GUI event tracking and test case minimization. The recorded event sequences are clustered using the K-Means algorithm, grouping highly similar events together. A search-based sequence selection is then applied to generate a representative subset of test cases. Our approach was implemented and evaluated using a User Interface (UI) map generated in Visual Studio, where all components were validated and compared with our event map.

Experimental results show that our proposed method reduces the total number of test cases by approximately 45%, decreases execution time by 38%, and maintains over 95% coverage compared to the original test suite. These results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively balances testing efficiency and coverage, providing a practical improvement for GUI regression testing.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** HGS (hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate) [NCBI Gene 9146] {aka HRS}
- **Chemicals:** Ambrin (-)
- **Species:** Mus musculus (house mouse, species) [taxon 10090], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Cercopithecidae (monkey, family) [taxon 9527]

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12919771/full.md

## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12919771/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12919771