AP Computer Science - Types of Errors

logic error

a mistake in the algorithm or program that causes it to behave incorrectly or unexpectedly

syntax error

a mistake in the program where the rules of the programming language are not followed

run-time error

a mistake in the program that occurs during the execution of a program

overflow error

an error that occurs when a computer attempts to handle a number that is outside of the defined range of values

What are effective ways to find and correct errors?

-test cases

-hand tracing

-visualization

-debuggers

-adding extra output statements

Which types of errors are easier to correct? Why?

syntax error because it directs programmer to the line of code where error occurred

Which types of errors are harder to correct? Why?

logic error because it is not always immediately noticed

what is the first strategy programmers use to find logic errors?

using test cases

border case

where it would go from 1 output to another

hand tracing

writing out the values of the variables within the loop as it iterates to determine if the outcome is correct

when is hand tracing most useful?

for small code segments and loops that iterate a small # of times

when do you start testing your program?

at the onset of development