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.

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:

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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 testing processes, reviewing lines of code, or simply by using the software or device. 

2. Analysing bugs: At this phase, the reported bugs from step one are 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. The developers then prioritise 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, developers and QA testers ensure the software will continue to work properly by running tests. They also plan future tests to identify recurring bugs more easily.

Often, software tools come with features to aid users in the process of debugging (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. 

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Related terms

  • QA tester

  • IT infrastructure

  • Test cases

  • Social engineering

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Debugging is the process of finding and fixing errors (bugs) in software or hardware. It involves identifying the bug, analysing its impact, fixing it, and testing to prevent future occurrences. Debuggers are software tools that aid in this process. While testing helps identify bugs, debugging focuses on resolving them.

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Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Network Security, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, Linux, Cloud Computing, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Python Programming, SQL, Continuous Monitoring, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Detection, Computer Security Incident Management, TCP/IP, Packet Analyzer, Network Protocols, Incident Response, Record Keeping, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Network Monitoring, Incident Management, Event Monitoring, Splunk, Network Analysis, Technical Documentation, Network Infrastructure, Hardening, Cloud Security, General Networking, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Architecture, Cloud Networks, Vulnerability Assessments, Firewall, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Security Hardening, resume and portfolio preparation, Interviewing Skills, Professional Networking, Data Ethics, Data Security, Job preparedness, stakeholder communication, Stakeholder Communications, Business Ethics, Cybersecurity, Security Awareness, escalation, Stakeholder Engagement, Asset Protection, integrity and discretion, Communication, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Security Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Attacks, Security Strategy, Computer Security, Information Systems Security, Security Controls, Information Assurance, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Information Security (INFOSEC), Cyber Risk, Historical Attacks, Ethics in cybersecurity, Scripting, Algorithms, PEP 8 style guide, Coding, Automation, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Debugging, File Management, Data Import/Export, Risk Management, Threat Management, Enterprise Security, Auditing, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Risk Mitigation, Risk Analysis, Incident Response Playbooks, Security Audits, Compliance Auditing, Malware Protection, threat analysis, Cryptography, Vulnerability Management, NIST 800-53, Personally Identifiable Information, vulnerability assessment, Authentications, asset classification, Threat Modeling, Encryption, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Authorization (Computing), Risk Management Framework, Authentication, Command-Line Interface, Bash (Scripting Language), File Systems, Operating Systems, Relational Databases, Linux Commands, Database Management, User Accounts, Command line interface (CLI), Unix Shell, Bash

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