Debugging by Thinking: A Multidisciplinary Approach (HP Technologies) (Paperback)

~ Robert Charles Metzger (Author) "I don't believe that the story of a moth found in a relay of one of the first digital computers adequately explains why software defects..." (more)
Key Phrases: next debugging session, collateral software, moveup function, Case Study, Lord Peter, Sherlock Holmes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Creative approach to improving the productivity of both novice and veteran programmers

Product Description

Debugging by Thinking: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach is the first book to apply the wisdom of six disciplines-logic, mathematics, psychology, safety analysis, computer science, and engineering-to the problem of debugging. It uses the methods of literary detectives such as Sherlock Holmes, the techniques of mathematical problem solving, the results of research into the cognitive psychology of human error, the root cause analyses of safety experts, the compiler analyses of computer science, and the processes of modern engineering to define a systematic approach to identifying and correcting software errors.

* Language Independent Methods: Examples are given in Java and C++
* Complete source code shows actual bugs, rather than contrived examples
* Examples are accessible with no more knowledge than a course in Data Structures and Algorithms requires
* A "thought process diary" shows how the author actually resolved the problems as they occurred

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Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Digital Press; 1 edition (November 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555583075
• ISBN-13: 978-1555583071
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,237,030 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars for new programmers, September 23, 2005

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Often many programmers learn debugging by the sink or swim approach. Rarely in a computer science university education will much time be devoted to this crucial topic. But for the professional programmer, Metzger offers a systematic, disciplined approach. Examples are given in Java and C++. Actually, if you program elsewhere, you should still be able to easily follow the logic. He also shows how to effectively use a debugger to install breakpoints and step through code.

Experienced programmers should not need this text. There will be little new for you. But it is well suited for newcomers. An easier way to learn than purely through experience.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting approach, not so good C++ code, September 27, 2006

By	alkmaar - See all my reviews

The book lays out debugging strategies, heuristics, tactics, and approaches from the perspectives of detective, safety expert, psychologist, engineer, and computer scientist respectively. This is new! first! The text is an interesting read, and it helps the reader in his practice.

However, the case studies are a weak spot. The C++ code is not top notch, if pitted against the real, modern C++ according to Andrew Koenig ("Accelerated C++,") Scott Meyer ("Effective C++," "More Effective C++," "Effective STL,") Herb Sutter ("Exceptional C++," "More Exceptional C++," "C++ Coding Standards,") and Martin Fowler ("Refactoring.") In other words, the presented C++ code is rather like code written in 1993 than in 2003, when the book was published.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent review of debugging techniques, June 24, 2004

By	Dmitry Vostokov (Monkstown, Co. Dublin Ireland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

Thanks for pointing out the sample chapter. I bought this book and found it very interesting. I was particularly impressed by Appendix B - Books about debugging. Also I have to add that one of the popular static analysis tools for C/C++/Java in EMEA is PRQA C/C++/J (Programming Research Ltd.)