Beginning C# 3.0

11.5. Summary

In this chapter you learned about the various types of errors and bugs that can creep into your programs. By now you have probably advanced to the point that you make relatively few syntax or semantic errors. You have moved up to the big time: logic errors. Some errors throw exceptions and you now know how to safeguard yourself against those using exception handlers. You also learned how to force an exception, which can be helpful in testing your exception handlers.

Your biggest ally in correcting program errors is the program debugger. You should know how to set breakpoints, single-step through your programs, and use the various debugging windows to watch key variables as the program executes.

Finally, I mentioned how defensive programming can ease the burden of testing and debugging a program. Writing clear, concise code makes it much easier for you or anyone else to debug your code. Always write your code as though someone else will be responsible for maintaining it.