WTD: Lesson - Debugging Vocabulary

Programmers search for website bugs - illustration.Debugging Vocabulary

What is Debugging?

Have you ever watched a baby or toddler, either in person or on a video, as they navigate whatever space they are in? What you may notice is an innate desire to solve a problem. Whether it is escaping their crib, escaping their designated play area, or bringing something…or someone into their designated area. As humans, we are naturally inquisitive and natural problem solvers. Our ability to solve problems is a skill that we utilize throughout life from some of the simpler challenges to some of the most complex challenges.

In the world of Web Design, we follow a systematic process of testing web pages/sites to ensure the web application is functioning as intended. This process is known as web testing. Web page testing allows the creator/designer of the page/site to check for potential bugs and correct any issues before making the web app/site accessible to the general public and/or the intended users.

But what does it mean “to check for potential bugs”? A bug is an error in a software system that causes it to behave in unexpected and undesirable ways. A bug can also be categorized as a programming error that leads to malfunction. So, what is debugging? Locating, correcting, or creating a way to work around any error in a software system or programming that prevents an app from performing effectively and efficiently. An error can be defined differently depending on the topic. When it comes to web design, an error is a coding or programming mistake that usually appears due to incorrect syntax or faulty loops.

Types of Bugs

The two types of bugs we will explore are syntax and logic errors.

  • Syntax errors are spelling or punctuation errors that cause the program not to run. Interestingly, HTML may still display with this type of error. If a person is familiar with the programming language’s syntax AND understands the error message, syntax errors can be easily fixed.
  • Logic errors happen when the code runs incorrectly due to the underlying logic of the way it is written, even though the syntax is correct.

Why is Debugging Important?

The success of every product and service is due largely to the quality of that product or service. The same is true for Web Design. The overall goal of a web page design is to increase awareness by providing information/content regarding the goods and/or services provided. The display and ability to navigate the web page have a direct impact on the credibility of the page and the profitability of the website.

Vocabulary Review

  • UI: User Interface - how a person interacts with and navigates the web page.
  • Bug: Error in a software system that causes an app to behave in unexpected and undesirable ways.
  • Error: A coding or programming mistake that usually appears due to incorrect syntax or faulty loops.
  • Publish: To present or make known publicly.
  • Debugging: Locating and correcting any error in a software system that prevents an app from performing effectively and efficiently.

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