International Journal of Engineering
Trends and Technology

Research Article | Open Access | Download PDF
Volume 74 | Issue 6 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJETT-V74I6P113 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V74I6P113

A Systematic Literature Review on Fuzzy-based Metaheuristic Algorithms for Combinatorial Test Suite Generation


Nur Syabila Zabidi, Noraini Ibrahim, Asmau Osman

Received Revised Accepted Published
25 Sep 2025 04 Mar 2026 20 Apr 2026 27 Jun 2026

Citation :

Nur Syabila Zabidi, Noraini Ibrahim, Asmau Osman, "A Systematic Literature Review on Fuzzy-based Metaheuristic Algorithms for Combinatorial Test Suite Generation," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), vol. 74, no. 6, pp. 187-200, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V74I6P113

Abstract

Combinatorial Testing (CT), also known as t-way test suite generation, results in compact test suites that ensure that all t-way parameter interactions are tested. In this regard, metaheuristics such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and the Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA) have been used to generate compact test suites. However, these methods often rely on fixed parameter settings, which may lead to premature convergence and poor solution quality. To overcome this limitation in combinatorial testing methods, fuzzy logic has been proposed as a dynamic parameter-tuning method. Despite the potential of fuzzy logic in combinatorial testing, there is no systematic review on this topic. This research aims to guide a Systematic Literature Review using the PRISMA and Barbara Kitchenham frameworks. Out of 61 studies identified initially, only three primary journal articles were found to meet the selection criteria after a careful process following identification, screening, eligibility, quality evaluation, and data extraction. The results are synthesized into four major themes: algorithmic categories, fuzzy-logic implementation, parameter tuning, and performance results. The results show that fuzzy logic has been applied to teaching-learning-based, swarm-based, and ant colony optimization algorithms using high-level and parameter tuning approaches. All studies show improved results in test suite reduction, convergence speedup, and coverage efficiency.

Keywords

Combinatorial Testing, Fuzzy Logic, Metaheuristic Algorithms, Systematic Literature Review (SLR), T-Way Testing.

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