Question

In the context of programming the term 'debugging' refers to:

• A. writing the code
• B. documenting the code
• C. finding and fixing errors in the code
• D. running the code

Hint:

Remember the etymology: a "bug" is an error. To "de-bug" is to remove the errors. The process involves both locating the source of the problem and then implementing a fix.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Define the term 'debugging'. 
The term originates from an early incident where a moth (a literal bug) caused a malfunction in a computer. In programming, a "bug" is an error, flaw, or fault in a computer program that causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result, or to behave in unintended ways.

Step 2: Analyze the process of debugging. 
Debugging is the methodical process of finding and reducing the number of bugs, or defects, in a computer program or a piece of electronic hardware, thus making it behave as expected. It involves identifying the source of the error and then correcting it.

Step 3: Evaluate the options. 
(A) Writing the code is coding or programming. 

(B) Documenting the code is explaining what the code does. 

(C) "Finding and fixing errors in the code" is the precise definition of debugging. 

(D) Running the code is execution or testing, which is often a prerequisite to find bugs, but it is not debugging itself.