Different Debugging Techniques for Java
Debugging is one of the crucial aspects of programming. During and after development, programmers must debug their program to ensure that no errors are present during execution. Debugging is not simply a matter of checking for errors, however. Large and complex programs can have multiple errors, or errors that only exist in certain situations. Therefore, it is important that programmers debug using a variety of techniques. Java programmers are no exception: using the Java debugger, or a debugger included in an IDE, a Java programmer can combine manual error checking, inserted error messages, and modular programming practices with use of a debugger to minimize program errors.
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Using the Java Debugger
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The Java Debugger, or "jdb," exists for programmers to debug their program. Essentially, instead of running a compiled class through the "java" runtime environment, the programmer would run the program through the "jdb" debugger. Then, the debugger would catch errors and print output based on those errors. Typical of debuggers, the information output from errors in the program is dictated by who wrote the debugger. However, using the debugger can catch many major errors, such as syntax or formatting errors.
Manual Debugging
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For specific errors that the debugger cannot or does not catch, the programmer can then simply read the source code for errors. In source code written in plain text in a text editor, this can become tedious. Often, however, programmers using special Java editing tools or development environments such as NetBeans or Eclipse can use the tools contained in these environments to manage complicated code and trace the path of execution.
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Inserting Error Output
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If, during the execution of the code, errors are occurring in the logic of the program that don't cause the program to fail, but only to give bad output, more hands-on debugging will be necessary. The debugger will not be able to catch these errors, and often reading complicated code can lead programmers to miss small mistakes. By inserting print statements or error-detection messages at strategic points in a code (such as printing results when integral calculations occur), the programmer can keep track of what values are being stored and when. Ten, if the mistake is in the logic of the program and not the structure, she can catch the errors.
Practice Good Coding Techniques
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Java is an object-oriented programming language. As such, it is designed with modularity and reuseability in mind. When designing an application, remember to practice modular coding techniques: Make sure that all functions only perform specific tasks, and make sure that functions are clearly labeled. When errors occur in code that maintains modular techniques, tracking down errors becomes much easier.
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