Debugging patterns describe a generic set of steps to rectify or correct a bug within a software system. It is a solution to a re-occurring problem that is related to a particular bug or type of bug in a specific context.
Some examples of debugging patterns include:
- Eliminate Noise Bug Pattern - Isolate and expose a particular bug by eliminating all other noise in the system. This enables you to concentrate on finding the real issue.
- Re-occurring Bug Pattern - Expose a bug via a unit test. Run that unit test as part of a standard build from that moment on. This ensure that the bug will not recur.
- Time Specific Bug Pattern - Expose the bug by writing a continuous test that runs continuously and fails when an expected error occurs. This is useful for transient bugs.
A bug pattern is a particular type of pattern. The original concept of a pattern was introduced by the architect Sir Christopher Alexander as a design pattern.
Famous quotes containing the word patterns:
“Persons grouped around a fire or candle for warmth or light are less able to pursue independent thoughts, or even tasks, than people supplied with electric light. In the same way, the social and educational patterns latent in automation are those of self- employment and artistic autonomy.”
—Marshall McLuhan (1911–1980)