What are computer bugs? | Computing for Year 1 PDF Download

Introduction to Computer Bugs

• When we create stories, we sometimes make errors like spelling mistakes or putting sentences in the wrong order, which can make the story confusing.
• Similarly, when writing computer programs, mistakes are common.
• Mistakes in computer programs are known as bugs.
• It's normal to make mistakes when learning, and almost every program will have a bug at some point.

Examples of Computer Bugs

• Imagine you are programming a game where a character is supposed to jump when you press a key, but instead, the character moves sideways.
• Or consider a scenario where a program is designed to calculate the total sales for a store, but it keeps giving incorrect results.

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Identifying Bugs in Programs

• Computer programs provide instructions to a computer or digital device.
• We might want the computer to make a cartoon mouse jump on the screen or a robot to move around a map.
• If the computer or device does not perform the task as expected, there is likely a bug in the program.

Significance of Finding and Fixing Bugs

• Discovering and correcting bugs is a crucial part of learning and improving programming skills.
• Fixing bugs helps ensure that the program functions correctly and delivers the desired results.

Understanding Bugs in Programs and How to Fix Them

Identifying Bugs in Programs

• Observe the behavior of your computer or device when executing a command like GO. Analyze each step to ensure correctness.
• Examine if errors occur at the beginning or towards the end of the program.

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Finding the Bug

Testing your program is crucial to uncover any issues. Here are essential steps:

• Watch the actions of your computer or device when executing commands.
• Analyze each individual step to verify accuracy.
• Determine if mistakes are present at the start or end of the process.

Fixing Bugs in Programs

Once you've identified the problem, it's time to rectify it by:

• Locating the bug that caused the issue in your program.
• Comparing it to correcting spelling mistakes in writing.

Examples of Bug Fixes

• Choosing the correct action block (e.g., walk instead of jump for a cartoon mouse program).
• Ensuring the correct order of movement commands in a robot program.

Implementation

• To resolve the issue, remove the bug from your program and replace it with the accurate instruction.

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Fixing and Testing a Program

• Ensuring Correct Order of Instructions: We must verify that all instructions are arranged correctly in our program.
• Testing the Program: After reordering the instructions, we should test the program again to check its functionality.
  • For example, we can run the program to observe if the desired outcome is achieved.
• Engaging with a Scenario: Contemplate on the program's behavior by asking questions like "Do you think the mouse will jump this time?"

Glossary of Terms

• Computer: A tool capable of executing instructions stored in its memory.
• Digital device: A machine housing a computer within it.
• Robot: A mechanical device equipped with a computer.
• Screen: An apparatus displaying images, text, videos, and animations.
• Algorithm: An ordered set of instructions for accomplishing a task or solving a problem.
• Program: A series of instructions comprehensible by a computer.
• Bug: An error present in a computer program.