What is Debugging?

Debugging is the process of fixing a bug in the software. It can be defined as identifying, analyzing, and removing errors. This activity begins after the software fails to execute properly and concludes by solving the problem and successfully testing the software. It is considered to be an extremely complex and tedious task because errors need to be resolved at all stages of debugging. 

Aspects

Testing Debugging

Definition

Testing is the process to find bugs and errors. Debugging is the process of correcting the bugs found during testing.

Purpose

The purpose of testing is to identify defects or errors in the software system

The purpose of debugging is to fix those defects or errors.

Focus

It is the process to identify the failure of implemented code. It is the process to give absolution to code failure.

Timing

Testing is done before debugging

Debugging is done after testing

Approach

Testing involves executing the software system with test cases

Debugging involves analyzing the symptoms of a problem and identifying the root cause of the problem

Tools and Technique

Testing can involve using automated or manual testing tools

Debugging typically involves using tools and techniques such as logging, tracing, and code inspection.

Methodology

Testing is the display of errors. Debugging is a deductive process.

Team Involve

Testing is done by the tester. Debugging is done by either programmer or the developer.

Design Knowledge

There is no need of design knowledge in the testing process. Debugging can’t be done without proper design knowledge.

Access

Testing can be done by insiders as well as outsiders. Debugging is done only by insiders. An outsider can’t do debugging.

Categorization Basic

It is based on different testing levels i.e. unit testing, integration testing, system testing, etc. Debugging is based on different types of bugs.

SDLC

Testing is a stage of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Debugging is not an aspect of the software development life cycle, it occurs as a consequence of testing.

Process Nature

Testing is composed of the validation and verification of software. Debugging process seeks to match symptoms with cause, by that it leads to error correction.

Initiation

Testing is initiated after the code is written. Debugging commences with the execution of a test case.

Conclusion

In summary, testing and debugging are two important activities in software engineering that are related but have distinct differences. Testing is the process of verifying that a software system or component meets its functional and non-functional requirements, while debugging is the process of identifying and fixing defects, errors, or issues in the software system.

Differences between Testing and Debugging

Testing and Debugging are important processes in software engineering. Testing and Debugging seems to be similar but they are quite different. The main difference between Testing and Debugging are testing is the process of identifying defects or errors in the software system while debugging is the process to to fix those defects or errors that affect the working of software.

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What is Testing?

Testing is the process of verifying and validating that a software or application is bug-free, meets the technical requirements as guided by its design and development, and meets the user requirements effectively and efficiently by handling all the exceptional and boundary cases. The purpose of software testing is to identify the errors, faults, or missing requirements in contrast to actual requirements....

What is Debugging?

Debugging is the process of fixing a bug in the software. It can be defined as identifying, analyzing, and removing errors. This activity begins after the software fails to execute properly and concludes by solving the problem and successfully testing the software. It is considered to be an extremely complex and tedious task because errors need to be resolved at all stages of debugging....

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