Efficient Debugging with Slicing and Backtracking

Programmers spend considerable time debugging code. Several tools are available to help them in this task, varying from hexadecimal dumps of program state to windowand mouse-based interactive debuggers, but the task still remains complex and difficult. Most of these conventional debuggers provide breakpoints and traces as their main debugging aids. These features have changed little in the past 15–20 years despite the increased complexity of software systems on which debuggers are used. In this paper we present a prototype tool that enables users to follow their “natural” thought process while debugging. It combines dynamic program slicing and execution backtracking techniques in a novel way. With the help of this powerful combination, program bugs may be localized and removed very quickly. Examples are given to show how our debugger may be used, and how it relates to other research in the area.

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