Absolute Beginner's Guide to Programming, Third Edition

Debugging

Programs are easy to write, but correct programs are a different story. Locating program bugs can be difficult. Fortunately, most language distributors supply debugging tools to make your life as a programmer easier. Although the compiler locates syntax errors for you, logic errors often take extra time to locate, and you must find them before your users do. When a payroll amount comes out incorrectly because of a bug, you will need to locate the problem as soon as possible.

The debugging tools of programming languages have become very sophisticated. In a programming environment such as Visual C++ or Visual Basic, most debugging aids are similar enough that you can learn one and understand the rest. The Windows environment enables debuggers ...