MODELS OF DEBUGGING

This paper proposes a view of computer program debugging, which tackles some of the simplifying short-comings of existing models. The paper begins by reviewing some of the existing models of debugging and their assumptions, before looking in more detail at one of the dominant paradigms for investigating debugging, that of predicting bug detection success. A reanalysis of the bug detection data from Gilmore and Green (1988) provides evidence that the assumptions of existing models are not valid. The important part of this result is the realisation that these assumptions have been derived from a view of debugging as fault diagnosis, rather than as a critical component of design. In conclusion, the paper describes the important features of debugging as a design activity, before outlining some predictions and implications which can be derived from the model.