Practical Debugging in C++

With this book, beginning programmers finally have a practical book on debugging techniques for C++. Practical Debugging in C++ serves as an important companion to any introductory textbook on C++ programming. Whether in the computer lab or at home, programmers should keep this book handy for quick reference when writing and debugging C++ programs.

• common syntactic and semantic programming errors, with illustrative examples
• tracing techniques using output statements (tout) in C++ programs, with examples illustrating how tracing can be easily inserted into your programs
• application of tracing to more advanced C++ constructs such as strings, pointers, structs, and classes
• use of the interactive debugger, with examples from Microsoft Visual C++ and Metrowerks CodeWarrior

Beginning programmers will want to use this book because it is easy and fast to read with many simple examples. It will save many frustrating hours of debugging time when the tracing and system debugger techniques illustrated in the text and figures are applied.

For the intermediate programmer, particularly those with some experience in other languages, this guide provides a quick up-to-speed primer in C++ debugging with a series of examples of common syntax and semantic errors and how they can be detected and corrected.

Instructors in introductory programming classes will want to recommend this book to their students because it will enable them to become much more self-sufficient, greatly reducing the time students will need for individual consultation regarding their programs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction.

2. Common Syntax and Semantic Errors.

3. Tracing Techniques for Debugging.

4. Trace Debugging for More Advanced C++ Constructs.

5. Using an Interactive Debugger.

Appendix A: The 32 Most Common Bugs in First Programs.
Appendix B: Checklist for Error Detection and Prevention.