What is Debugging?

Ldentify the Error Location

Identify Error

Analyze Error Prove the Analysis

Cover Lateral Damage

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Debugging is the process of identifying and resolving errors, or

bugs, in a software system. It is an important aspect of software
engineering because bugs can cause a software system to
malfunction, and can lead to poor performance or incorrect results.
Debugging can be a time-consuming and complex task, but it is
essential for ensuring that a software system is functioning
correctly.
There are several common methods and techniques used in
debugging, including:
1. Code Inspection: This involves manually reviewing the source
code of a software system to identifypotential bugs or errors.
2. Debugging Tools: There are various tools available for debugging
such as debuggers, trace tools, and profilers that can be used to
identify and resolve bugs.
3. Unit Testing: This involves testing individual units or components
of asoftware system to identify bugs or errors.
4. Integration Testing: This involves testing the interactions
between different components of a software system to identify
bugs or errors.
5. System Testing: This involves testing the entire software system
to identify bugs or errors.
 6. Monitoring: This involves monitoring a software system for
unusual behavior or performance issues that can indicate the
presence of bugs or errors.
7. Logging: This involves recording events and messages related to
the software system,which can beused toidentify bugs or
errors.

It is important to note that debugging is an iterative process, and it

may take multiple attempts to identify and resolve all bugs in a
software system. Additionally, it is important to have a well-defined
process in place for reporting and tracking bugs, so that they can be
effectively managed and resolved.
In summary, debugging is an important aspect of software
engineering, it's the process of identifying and resolving errors, or
bugs, in a software system. There are several common methods and
techniques used in debugging, including code inspection, debugging
tools, unit testing, integration testing, system testing, monitoring.
and logging. It is an iterative process that may take multiple
attempts to identify and resolve all bugs in asoftware system.

In the context of software engineering, debugging is the process of

fixing a bug in the software. In other words, it refers to identifying,
analyzing, and removing errors. This activity begins after the
software fails to execute properly and concludes by solving the
to be
problem and successfully testing the software. It is considered
errors need to be
an extremely complex and tedious task because
resolved at all stages of debugging.
debugger, which is
Abetter approach is to run the program within a monitoring the
and
a specialized environment for controlling
provided by a
execution of a program. The basic functionality
the code. When the
debugger is the insertion of breakpoints within
it stops at each
program is executed within the debugger,
IDEs, such as Visual C++ and C-Builder provide
breakpoint. Many
built-in debuggers.
debugging are:
Debugging Process: The steps involved in
preparation.
. Problem identification and report
 Assigning the report to the software engineer defect to verify
that it % genuine.
Defect Analysis using modeling, documentation, finding and
testing candidate flaws, etc.
Defect Resolution by making required changes to the system.
. Validation of corrections.
The debugging process will always have one of two outcomes :
1. The cause will be found and corrected.
2. The cause will not be found.
Later, the person performing debugging may suspect a cause,
design a test case to help validate that suspicion, and work toward
error correction in an iterative fashion.
During debugging, we encounter errors that range from mildly
annoying to catastrophic. As the consequences of an error increase,
the amount of pressure to find the cause also increases. Often,
pressure sometimes forces a software developer to fix one error
and at the same time introduce two more.
Debugging Approaches/Strategies:
1. Brute Force: Study the system for alonger duration to
understand the system. It helps the debugger to construct
different representations of systems to be debugged depending
on the need. Astudy ofthe system is also done actively tofind
recent changes made to the software.
2. Backtracking: Backward analysis of the problem which involves
tracing the program backward from the location of the failure
message to identify the region of faulty code. A detailed studyof
the region is conducted to find the cause of defects.
3. Forward analysis of the program involves tracing the program
forwards using breakpoints or print statements at different
points in the program and studying the results. The region where
be
the wrong outputs are obtained is the region that needs to
focused on to find the defect.
4. Using Adebuggingexperience with the software debug the
this
software with similar problems in nature. The success of
approach depends on the expertise of the debugger.
 concept of binary
5. Cause elimination: it introduces the occurrence are organized
partitioning. Data related to the error
to isolate potential causes.
without executing it to
6. Static analysis:Analyzing the code approach involves analyzing
identify potential bugs or errors. This
code syntax, data flow, and control flow. analyzing its behavior
code and
7. Dynamic analysis: Executing the
This approach involves
at runtime to identify errors or bugs.
techniques like runtime debugging and profiling.
multiple developers working
8. Collaborative debugging: Involves helpful in situations
debug a system. This approach is
together to
multiple modules or components are involved, and the
where
root cause of the error is not clear.
Logging and Tracing: Using logging and tracing tools to identify
9. to the error. This approach
of events leading up
the sequence
traces generated by
involves collecting and analyzing logs and
the system during its execution.
Automated Debugging: The use of automated tools and
10. process. These tools can
techniques to assist in the debugging
static and dynamic analysis tools, as wellas tools that use
include
learning and artificial intelligence to identify errors and
machine
suggest fixes.
Debugging Tools:
debugging tool is a computer program that is used to test and
A domain software like gdb and
debug other programs. A lot of public
available for debugging. They offer console-based
dbx are
interfaces. Examples of automated debugging tools
command-line
code-based tracers, profilers, interpreters, etc. Some of the
include
widely useddebuggers are:
Radare2
WinDbg
Valgrind
Difference Between Debugging and Testing:
on finding bugs,
Debugging is different from testing. Testing focuses been identified
a bug has
errors, etcwhereas debugging starts after
 ftware Testing?
sting can be stated as the process of verifying and validating
nra or application is bug-free, meets the technical
mnnt and mopts the user

in the software. Testing is used to ensure that

correct and it was supposed to do with a certain the program is
rate. Testing can be manual or minimum success
automated. There are several
different types of testing unit testing, integration testing, alpha,
beta testing, etc. Debugging requires a lot of knowledge, skills, and
and
expertise. It can be supported by some automated tools available
but is more of a manual process as every bug is
different and
requires a different technique, unlike a pre-defined testing
mechanism.

Advantages of Debugging:
Several advantages of debugging in software engineering:
1. Improved system quality: By identifying and resolving bugs, a
software system can be made more reliable and efficient,
resulting in improved overall quality.
2. Reduced system downtime: By identifying and resolving bugs, a
software system can be made more stable and less likely to
experience downtime,which can result in improved availability
for users.
3. Increased user satisfaction: By identifying and resolving bugs, a
software system can be made more user-friendly and better able
to meet the needs of users, which can result in increased
satisfaction.
4. Reduced development costs: ldentifying and resolving bugs early
in the development process, can save time and resources that
would otherwise be spent on fixing bugs later in the
development process or after the system has been deployed.
5. Increased security: By identifying and resolving bugs that coul
be exploited by attackers, a software system can be made more
secure, reducing the risk of security breaches.
6. Facilitates change: With debugging, it becomes easy to make
changes to the software as it becomes easy to identify and fix
bugs that would have been caused by the changes.
7. Better understanding of the system: Debugging can help
developers gain a better understanding of howa software
 -ifing and validating

system works, and how

interact with one different components of the
8.
Facilitates testing:another.
By
system
easier to test the identifying and resolving bugs, it
software ensure that it meets themakes it
and
In requirements and specifications.
summary, debugging is an important
engineering as it helps to improve system aspect of software
downtime, increase user satisfaction, reducequality, reduce system
increase security, facilitate change, a development ofcostS,
system, and facilitate better understanding the
testing.
Disadvantages of Debugging:
While debugging is an important
there are also some aspect of software engineering8
1. Time-consuming: disadvantages to consider:
Debugging can be a time-consuming process,
especially if the bug is difficult to find or reproduce. This can
cause delays in the development process and add to the
cost of the project. overall
2. Requires specialized skills: Debugging can be a
complex task that
requires specialized skills and knowledge. This can be a challenge
for developers who are not familiar with the tools and
techniques used in debugging.
3. Can be difficult to reproduce: Some bugs may be difficult to
reproduce, which can make it challenging to identify and resolve
them.
4. Can be difficult to diagnose: Some bugs may be caused by
interactions between different components of a software
system, which can make it challenging to identify the root cause
of the problem.
5. Can be difficult to fix: Some bugs may be caused by fundamental
design flaws or architecture issues, which can be difficult or
impossible to fix without significant changes to the software
system.
 a

6. Limited
insight: In some cases, debugging tools can
limited insight into the problem and
only provide
information to identify the root may not provide enough
7. Can be cause of the problem.
expensive: Debugging can be an expensive
especially if it requires additional resources such asprOcess,
debugging tools or additional specialized
development time.
What is Debugging?

In the development process of any software, the software program is religiously

products
tested, troubleshot, and maintained for the sake of delivering bug-free
There is nothing that is error-free in the first go.
software is
So, it's an obvious thing to which everyone will relate that as when the
created, it contains a lot of errors; the reason being nobody is perfect and getting
error in the code is not an issue, but avoiding it or not preventing it, is an issue!

All those errors and bugs are discarded reqularly, so we can conclude that
debugging is nothing but a process of eradicating or fixing the errors contained in a
software program.
Debugging works stepwise, starting from identifying the errors, analyzing followed
by removing the errors. Whenever asoftware fails to deliver the result, we need the
software tester to test the application and solve it.
 inatand

Cince the errors are

can conclude that resolved at each step of
result was.
it is a
tiresome and complexdebugging in the
task regardlesssoftware
of howtesting, so we
efficient the
Why do we need
Debugging?
Debugging getS started when we start writing the
progressively
product
starts continuing in the code for the software
program. it
because the code gets merged consecutive
form a software stages
with several other
to delrver a softwware
product. programming units to
Following are the benefits of
Debugging:
Debugging can immediately report an error condition
the result by detecting the bugs in the whenever occurs. It prevents
it
hampering earlier stage, making software
development stress-free and smooth.
It offers relevant information related to
the data structures that further helps in
easier
interpretation.
Debugging assist the developer in reducing impractical and disrupting information.
With debugging, the developer can easily avoid complex one-use testing code to
save time and energy in software development.

Steps involved in Debugging

Following are the different steps that are involved in debugging:

Find the Errar

Location

AnEroralyze the

Fi &Validate
Cover lateral
Damage

O4
 W
verifying and validating

1.
ldentify the Error:
It is very
and obvious ld
that enti
the
fying an error in a
wrong may result in the
sometimes the product ion errors
information we receive reported
identify the actual error. by users are wastage of time
is hard to
2. Find the Error mi sle ading. Thus, it is interpret,to
to Location: Once the error is mandatory
thoroughly
general, this stepreview the code correctly
to locatediscovered, you will be
focuses on repeatedly the position of the required
3.
Analyze the Error: The thirdfinding step
the error rather
than perceiving it error. n
that starts from the comprises error analysis,
a
makes it easier to location the error followed by analyzingbottom-up
of
comprehend the code. approacn
goals, i.e., evaluation of errors allthe errors, Mainly
error analysis has two This step
over again to find existing significant
uncertainty of incoming
collateral damage in a fix. bugs and postulating the
4. Prove the
Analysis: After
extra errors that may analyzing the primary bugs, it is necessary to look for some
show up on the
tramework, the fourth step is used to write application. By incorporating the test
5. Cover
automated tests for such areas.
Lateral Damage: The fifth phase is about
the code that requires accumulating all of the unit tests tor
modification, As when you run these unit tests, they must pass.
6. Fix & Validate: The last staae is the fix and validation that
bugs followed by running all the test scripts to check
emphasizes fixing the
whether they pass.
Debugging Strategies
For a better understanding of a system,it is necessary to study the system in depth. It
makes it easier for the debugger to fabricate distinct illustrations of such systems that
are needed to be debugged.
The backward analysis analyzes the program from the backward location where the
failure message has occurred to determine the defect region. It is necessary to learn
the area of defects to understand the reason for defects.
In the forward analysis, the program tracks the problem in the forward direction by
utilizing the breakpoints or print statements incurred at different points in the
program. It emphasizes those regions where the wrong outputs are obtained.
To check and fix similar kinds of problems, it is recommended to utilize past
experiences. The success rate of this approach is directly proportional to the
proficiency of the debugger.
 Wha'
So' -fverifying and validating

Debugging Tools

The debugging tool can be

understood as a computer program that is used to test
and debug several other programs.
such as gdb and dbx in the market, Presently, there are many public domain software
which can be utilized for debugging These
software offers console-based command-line interfaces. Some of the
debugging tools include code-based tracers, profilers, interpreters, etc. automated
Here is a list of some of the widely used
debuggers:
Radare2

WinDbg
o Valgrind

Radare2

Radare2 is known for its reverse engineering framework as well as binary analysis. It
is made up of a smallset of utilities, either utilized altogether or independently from
the command line. It is also known as r2.

It is constructed around disassembler for computer software for generating assembly

language source code from machine-executable code. It can support a wide range of
executable formats for distinct architectures of processors and operating systems
 WinDbg
WinDbg is a multipurpose
operating system. This tool candebugging tool
be used to debugdesigned for Microsoft
after the Blue Screen of Death that further arises the
memory dumps Windows
it is also
helpful in debugging the created
when a bug check is issued. jus
post-mortem debugging. user-mode crash dumps, which is why it isBesides,
called

Valgrind
The Valgrind exist as a tool suite that offers several debugging and profiling tools to
facilitate users in making faster and accurate program. Memcheck is one of its most
popular tools, which can successfully detect memory-related errors caused in C and
C++ programs as it may crash the program and result in unpredictable behavior.

Valgrind
 BCA Ds ulh

What is Software Testing?

Software testing can be stated as the process of verifying and validating
whether a software or application is bug-free, meets the technical
requirements as guided by its design and development, and meets the user
requirements effectively and efficiently by handling all the exceptional and
boundary cases. The process of software testing aims not only at finding
faults in the existing software but also at finding measures to improve the
software in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and usability. The article focuses on
discussing Software Testing in detail.
What is Software Testing?
Software Testing is a method to assess the functionality of the software
progranm. The process checks whether the actual software matches the
expected requirements and ensures the software is bug-free. The purpose of
software testing is to identify the errors, faults, or missing requirements in
contrast to actual requirements. It mainly aims at measuring the
lceel specification,functionality, and performance of a software program or
application. Check Detgh lode ,Do lunet
Software testing can be divided into two steps:
Stetiei. Verification: It refers to the set of tasks that ensure that the software
correctly implements a specific function. It means "Are we building the
product right?".
yran2. Validation: It refers to a different set of tasks that ensure that the-frcduct v
software that has been built is traceable to customer requirements. It
means "Are we building the right product?".
Importance of Software Testing:
Defects can be identified early: Software testing is important because if
there are any bugs they can be identified early and can be fixed before the
delivery of the software.
Improves quality of software:Software Testing uncovers the defects in
the software, and fixing them improves the quality of the software.
Increased customer satisfaction: Software testing ensures reliability,
security, andhigh performance which results in saving time, costs, and
customer satisfaction.
" Helps with scalability:Software testing type non-functionaltesting helps
to identify the scalability issues and the point where an application might
stopworking.
Saves time and money: After the application is launched it will be very
difficult to trace and resolve the issues, as performing this activity will
incur more costs and time. Thus, it is better to conduct software testing at
regular intervals during software development.
 Need for Software
Testing
Software bugs can cause potential and human loss. There are many
monetary
examples in history that clearlydepicts that without the testing phase in
software
examples:
development lot of damage was incurred. Below are some
1985: Canada'sTherac-25 radiation therapy
software bug and resulted in lethal radiationmalfunctioned due to a
doses to patients leaving 3
injured and 3 people dead.
1994: China Airlines Airbus A300 crashed due to a
people. software bug killing 264
1996: A software bug caused U.S. bank accounts of 823
credited with 920 million US dollars. customers to be
1999: A software bug caused the failure of a $1.2 billion
launch. military satellite
2015: A software bug in fighter plan F-35 resulted in making it
detect targets correctly. unable to
2015: Bloomberg terminal in London crashed due to a
software bug
affecting 300,000 traders on the financial market and forcing the
government to postpone the 3bn pound debt sale.
Starbuckswas forced to close more than 60% of its outlet in the U.S. and
Canada due to asoftware failure in its POS systenm.
Nissan cars were forced to recall 1 million cars from the market due to a
software failure in the car's airbag sensory detectors.
 2. 1.
Software
ormance,
testing
Non-functional and
on.so
testing
performed
software's validates
Functional Testing Different
Unit
that are Testing
Incremental
functional the Testing Types
checks Unit to
Testing: Bottom-up 4
software BoxWhite
calability, Testing: check can Top-down Integration
testing, Testing of
be Functional
Testing Testing
Manual Software
the
Functional
whether
Non-Incremental
requirements systems broadly
application Integration
ortability,
Non-functional BoxBlack
Testing Testing Non-Functional Type Testing
the classified Performance
Usability
System
against testing Testing of
application Software
for testing, or
stress, Testing
on-functional not. the isainto BOX Testing
Grey Automation
testing Testing
functional type
Various Stability Testing
Testing Scalability
etc. System is types: 3 Testing
Stress Testing
Load
Various is working of
a software Testing
Compatibility
Usability
type testing,types
requirements requirements.
types of as
ofper nog4 etAIhel
Pengke
Smoke
software functional testing
of the Testing Che2slcukytter
non that
like testing. It
is
 functional testing are Performance testing,Stress testing, Usability
Testing, and so on.
3. Maintenance Testing: Maintenance testing is the process of changing
modifying, and updating the software to keep up with the customer's
needs. It involves regression testing that verifies that recent changes to
the code have not adversely affected other previously working parts of the
software.
Apart from the above classification software testing can be further divided
into 2 more ways of testing:
1. Manual Testing: Manual testing includes testing software manually, i.e.,
without using any automation tool or script. In this type, the tester takes
Over the role of an end-user and tests the software to identify any
testing
unexpected behavior or bug. There are different stages for manual
such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user
scenarios to
acceptance testing. Testers use test plans, test cases, or test
also
test software to ensure the completeness of testing. Manual testing
includes exploratory testing, as testers explore the software to identify
errors in it.
2. Automation Testing: Automation testing, which is also known as Test
Automation, is when the tester writes scripts and uses another software
to test the product. This process involves the automation of a manual
process. Automnation Testing is used to re-run the test Scenarios quickly
and repeatedly, that were performed manually in manual testing.
Apart from regression testing, automation testing is also used to test the
application from a load, performance, and stress point of view. It increases
the test coverage, improves accuracy, and saves time and money when
compared to manual testing.
Different Types of Software Testing Techniques
Software testing techniques can be majorly classified into two categories:
1. Black Box Testing: Black box technique of testing in which the tester
doesn't have access to the source code of the software and is conducted
at the software interface without any concern with the internal logical
dtral structure of the software known as black-box testing.
2. White-Box Testing: White box technique of testing in which the tester is
aware of the internal workings of the product, has access to its source
code, and is conducted by making sure that all internal operations are
performed according to the specifications is known as white box testing.
3. Grey Box Testing: Grey Box technique is testing in which the testers
should have knowledge of implementation, however, they need not be
experts.
 S No.
Black Box Testing White Box Testing

1 Internal workings of an Knowledge of the

application are not internal workings is a
required. must.

2 Also known as closed Also known as clear

box/data-driven testing. box/structural testing.

3 End users, testers, and Normally done by

developers. testers and developers.

This can only be done Data domains and

4
by a trial and error internal boundaries can
method. be better tested.

Different Levels of Software Testing

Software level testing can be majorly classified into 4 levels:
1. Unit Testing: Unit testing is a level of the software testing process where
individual units/components of a software/system are tested. The purpose
is to validate that each unit of the software performs as designed.
2. Integration Testing: Integration testingis a level of the software testing
process where individual units are combined and tested as a group. The
purpose of this levelof testing is to expose faults in the interaction
between integrated units.
3. System Testing: Systemtesting is a level of the software testing process
where a complete, integrated system/software is tested. The purpose of
this test is to evaluate the system's compliance with the specified
requirements.
4. Acceptance Testing: Acceptance testing is a levelof the software testing
process where a system is tested for acceptability, The purpose of this test
is to evaluate the system's compliance with the business requirements
and assess whether it is acceptable for delivery.

ensses that th nd useslCuugtore) (an achieve the gorl