# debugging

/diˈbəɡɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/debugging
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the process of finding and fixing mistakes in a computer program so it works correctly. You do this when the code does something you did not expect.

For teachers: the process of identifying and removing errors, bugs, or exceptions in a computer program or system. Often involves systematic testing and the use of specialized tools to trace the source of the malfunction.

## Examples

- The developer spent hours debugging the software before the release.
- After the website crashed during the sale, the team spent the entire weekend debugging the server code.
- Effective debugging requires a combination of logical analysis and patience, as even a single misplaced semicolon can cause a complex application to fail silently.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.