> [! Note] > Debugging is the systematic process of identifying, isolating, and correcting errors—or "bugs"—within a computer program or system. This process is crucial for ensuring that software operates as intended and is free of defects that might cause malfunctions or unexpected behavior. **:: Reference ::** [Debugging - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debugging) # Key Points Here are some key points about debugging: - **Error Identification:** Debugging begins when a developer notices that a program isn’t behaving as expected. This could be due to syntax errors, logical mistakes, or unexpected interactions between different parts of the code. - **Diagnostic Tools:** Developers often use specialized tools like [[Debugger|debuggers]], which allow them to run code step-by-step, inspect variables, set breakpoints, and observe the flow of execution to pinpoint where things go wrong. - **Iterative Process:** Debugging is rarely a one-step fix. It involves repeatedly testing, modifying the code, and verifying that the changes correct the issue without introducing new problems. - **Broader Context:** While most commonly associated with software, debugging techniques can also be applied to hardware systems, network configurations, and other complex systems to ensure they function correctly.