Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What is the role of debugging in programming?

1. To compile the code correctly

2. To locate and fix errors in the code

3. To optimize performance

4. To improve documentation

The correct answer is: To locate and fix errors in the code

The primary role of debugging in programming is to locate and fix errors in the code. Debugging is a crucial step in the software development process, as it allows programmers to identify both syntax errors (mistakes in the code that prevent it from compiling) and logical errors (mistakes that cause the program to operate incorrectly). When a program does not function as intended, debugging provides the means to systematically investigate and resolve these issues. Programmers often use various tools and techniques during the debugging process, such as print statements, breakpoints, and debuggers, which help track down the source of the problem. While debugging may indirectly contribute to performance optimization and help clarify documentation by correcting how the program behaves, its fundamental purpose centers around ensuring the code works correctly by identifying and remedying errors.