The Debugging of Computer Programs

This thesis is a general study of the tools and techniques for debugging computer programs, and the design of compilers and operating systems to facilitate debugging. It includes an analysis of the programming process to identify carefully what the problems are in debugging and how they arise. The problems of debugging programs written in higher-level languages are considered in detail, and the construction of compilers and programming languages for debugging receives careful attention. The construction of interactive debugging systems and operating system features necessary to support advanced debugging facilities is discussed. Three interactive debugging systems are considered in detail, including one which was designed to work with CRT consoles. A number of new ideas in this are presented, and the considerable advantages of interactive debugging are clearly demonstrated.