Code Craft

How to Fix Faults

You’ll notice that this section is much smaller than the preceding one. Funny. Usually the whole problem is finding the darned fault. Once you’ve worked out where it is, then the fix is obvious.

But don’t let that lure you into a false sense of security. Don’t stop thinking once you’ve diagnosed the source of your errant behavior. It’s very important not to break anything else as you make the fix—it’s surprisingly easy to trample over something in the flower bed as you stroll over to pluck out a weed.

KEY CONCEPT

Fix bugs with the utmost care. Don’t risk breaking anything else with your modification.

As you modify code, always ask yourself, What are the consequences of this change? Be aware of whether the fix is isolated to a single ...