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DEBUGGING SIMPLE PROBLEMS

Sometimes, algorithms do not give the expected results. This may happen because
of mistakes in the algorithm. These mistakes are called bugs. Finding and correcting

these mistakes is called debugging.

Common Causes of Bugs

Bugs happen for many reasons. Here are the most common ones:

 A step is missing from the algorithm.

 Steps are written in the wrong order.

 A decision has the wrong condition (e.g., YES and NO are swapped).

 The instructions are not clear.

Example:

Wrong Algorithm for Drinking Milk: Correct Algorithm:

1. Drink milk. 1. Pour milk into a glass.
2. Pour milk into glass. 2. Drink the milk.

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AGENT
OrangeAI
Find out when the term bug was first used to mean a mistake.
Study

How to Debug: The Three-Step Method

Here is a simple three-step method for debugging any algorithm:

1. READ: Read every step carefully, as if you are a robot following instructions
for the first time.

2. TRACE: Follow the steps on paper and write down what would happen at

each stage.

3. FIX: Once you find the mistake, correct it and test the algorithm again.

Algorithmic Thinking 45