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Testing and debugging

"If debugging is the process of removing bugs, then programming must be the process of putting them in." --annon.

Program Trace

A trace of a program consists of a listing of the values of each variable at each point in the execution of the program.

Walkthrough

Working on a program tends to create a mind set in the programmer that renders obvious mistakes invisible. Merely explaining a program aloud can give a totally new view of it. A walkthrough is an explanation and defense of the program's algorithm and implementation to an audience.

Program Animation/Instrumentation

Program animation/instrumentation is a way to inspect a program while it is running.

Program Probes

Program Assertions

Often the particular value of a variable is not as important as whether or not it meets some particular constraint (e.g. positive).

Test Harnesses

A test harness is a program shell that is used to test procedures in isolation, before they are integrated into a more complex final program.

Integration Testing

Testing to check that modules combine together correctly. In addition, there should be a final product test and acceptance testing by the client.

Regression Testing

Testing that is performed to insure that modifications to a program have not modified previously correct behavior. This requires a collection of test data be maintained for the purpose of regression testing.

Some portions are adapted from Oh! Pascal third edition and notes by Anthony Aaby, aabyan@wwc.edu. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Friday, 07-Mar-1997 08:10:16 EST