Arizona State University (ASU) CSE240 Introduction to Programming Languages Midterm Practice Exam

Debugging refers specifically to the process of identifying and fixing errors, also known as bugs, in a program. This process is crucial in programming, as bugs can arise from various sources, including syntax errors, logic errors, or runtime errors. When debugging, a programmer systematically analyzes the code, often using tools such as debuggers and print statements, to track down the source of the error and correct it, ensuring that the program runs as intended.

This understanding differentiates debugging from other programming activities. For instance, writing new code from scratch is a separate task focused on creating new functionalities or features, rather than fixing existing issues. Optimizing performance and testing for efficiency involve improving aspects of the code after it is functional, focusing on aspects like speed and resource usage, rather than correcting errors. Thus, the essence of debugging lies in the correction process itself, which makes the definition provided in the correct choice most accurate.