What Is Debugging?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Debugging is an essential aspect of software development. Learn more about its role in finding and fixing code errors.

[Featured image]: QA Tester, working on a desktop computer, identifying and analyzing problems during the debugging process of the software.

Key takeaways

Debugging involves identifying and resolving both existing and potential issues (or bugs) in software or hardware.

  • Bugs can be caused by many types of errors, including syntax errors, logical errors, and runtime errors.

  • Developers rank bugs by priority and establish a plan and schedule for fixing them.

  • You can use integrated development environments (IDEs), like Visual Studio, that offer built-in debugging tools for step-by-step code inspection.

Find out what debugging is, the steps involved, and how it differs from testing. If you’re ready to learn how to make software systems more secure, enroll in Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. This beginner-friendly program offers guidance on identifying common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as techniques to mitigate them.

What is debugging?

Debugging is the identification and resolution of existing and potential issues in software or hardware. Examples of these issues include faulty code (such as source code with logic errors) and manufacturing defects. The debugging process typically involves three steps:

1. Identifying bugs: During the first stage of the debugging process, end users, quality assurance (QA) testers, and developers report bugs. They may find these problems through processes like unit tests, manual code reviews, or simply by using the software or device. Some integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Visual Studio, offer built-in debugging tools to analyze lines of code step by step.

2. Analyzing bugs: At this phase, the reported bugs from step one will be evaluated. Important elements to consider include how the bug impacts the functionality and which parts of the software or hardware will be affected by it. Bugs can be caused by many types of errors, including syntax errors, logical errors, and runtime errors. The developers then prioritize bug fixes and create an action plan and timeline for fixing.

3. Fixing bugs and preparing for the future: Once the bugs have been fixed, software development professionals and QA testers ensure the software will continue to work properly by running tests. They also plan future tests to more easily identify recurring bugs.

Sometimes, software tools that come with features to aid users in debugging techniques are called debuggers. 

Debugging vs. testing: What's the difference?

Testing is one part of the debugging process. Debugging involves correcting the issues found during testing. QA testers and end users may test software, but developers typically troubleshoot and resolve the reported errors to finish the debugging process. 

Read more: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

Related terms

Explore our free career resources for software developers

Keep your cybersecurity skills up-to-date with Career Chat, Coursera’s weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Learn how to enhance your developer skills with our other free digital resources: 

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Updated on
Written by:

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.