Skip to main content

DEBUGGING

Debugging is a methodical process of finding and reducing the number of bugs, or defects, in a computer program or a piece of electronic hardware thus making it behave as expected. -->
The debugging skill of the programmer is probably the biggest factor in the ability to debug a problem, but the difficulty of software debugging varies greatly with the programming language used and the available tools, such as debuggers. Debuggers are software tools which enable the programmer to monitor the execution of a program, stop it, re-start it, set breakpoints, change values in memory and even, in some cases, go back in time. The term debugger can also refer to the person who is doing the debugging.
Generally, high-level programming languages, such as Java, make debugging easier, because they have features such as exception handling that make real sources of erratic behaviour easier to spot. In lower-level programming languages such as C or assembly, bugs may cause silent problems such as memory corruption, and it is often difficult to see where the initial problem happened. In those cases, memory debugger tools may be needed.
In certain situations, general purpose software tools that are language specific in nature can be very useful. These take the form of static code analysis tools. These tools look for a very specific set of known problems, some common and some rare, within the source code. All such issues detected by these tools would rarely be picked up by a compiler or interpreter, thus they are not syntax checkers, but more semantic checkers.
Often the first step in debugging is to attempt reproduce the problem. This can be a non-trivial task
After the bug is reproduced, the input of the program needs to be simplified to make it easier to debug. For example, a bug in a compiler can make it crash when parsing some large source file. However, after simplification of the test case, only few lines from the original source file can be sufficient to reproduce the same crash
After the test case is sufficiently simplified, a programmer can use a debugger to examine program states (values of variables, the call stack) and track down the origin of the problem. Alternatively tracing can be used. In simple case, tracing is just a few print statements, which output the values of variables in certain points of program execution.


Comments

Post a Comment

Also read

Sant Kabir: A journey through his life, teachings, and relevance today

The eternal wisdom of Sant Kabir: A journey through his life, teachings, and relevance today In a world burdened by materialism, intolerance, and the never-ending pursuit of validation, the words of a humble 15th-century weaver continue to echo with profound relevance. Sant Kabir, one of India’s greatest mystics, broke through barriers of caste, religion, and orthodoxy to deliver universal truths that resonate even today. His teachings transcend time, speaking to the heart of humanity, regardless of creed or nationality. This article explores the life, teachings, and legacy of Sant Kabir, uncovering how his wisdom still offers guidance in today’s turbulent times. Who was Saint Kabir? Sant Kabir remains one of the most enigmatic figures in Indian mysticism. Historical records suggest that he was born around 1440 CE near Varanasi, a city steeped in spiritual and religious traditions. However, his origin story is shrouded in myth and legend. Some believe Kabir was the miraculous child of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
Post a Comment
Read more

High on life: The 7‑day energy reset challenge

Begin your journey high on life with this 7‑Day Energy Reset Challenge—designed to restore spirit, clarity and vitality. From digital detox to salt bath, gratitude journaling to silence, each day offers a nurturing ritual that reconnects you to your inner sanctuary. Jump in, transform your energy, and emerge renewed, grounded, and ready to embrace life. First published on  24/06/2008 19:31 Second revised edition published on  06/07/2025 23:42 Ever feel like you're barely functioning but still pretending you're fine ? This challenge isn't a cute self-care checklist—it's your emotional CPR. The 7-Day Energy Reset Challenge helps release energetic junk, revive your spirit, and finally feel High ON Life . Digital detoxes, forgiveness meditations, gratitude hacks—each day cracks open space for healing and joy. What’s high on life reset all about? Why does it hit different? Have you ever been mid-scroll on Instagram, seeing everyone thriving , while you're staring at y...
1 comment
Read more