As a Computer Science Student, if you want to become an Expert C++ Developer after graduation, then, along with practicing C++ problems, you should learn to “Debug Common C++ Errors” as well.
Debugging is an essential skill every C++ programmer should know to deploy any working application. This article will first discuss different types of Common Errors in the C++ Language.
If you need expert guidance while understanding the errors, feel free to explore our CPP assignment help services to get expert assistance.
Later, we will share some methods to easily debug Common Errors in C++ Code. So, let us start our journey.
Tl;dr: Summary Or Key Highlights:
- In the Debugging Process, a programmer finds the bugs and fixes them to get the proper output.
- The Common Errors in the C++ Programming Language can be divided into 3 important categories.
- There are some important methods that we have to remember to Debug Common Errors in C++.
- The use of C++ Error Debugging can be seen from Game Development to Robotics.
- To work on Common C++ Error Debugging, we have to remember some Performance Implications.
What Is Debugging In C++ Language?
Debugging is the process by which a developer easily finds the Bug in the code and fixes it to get the proper output. Not only the C++ Language but also debugging can be seen in other programming languages.
Whether you are a Beginner or an Expert C++ Programmer, if you are not aware of the Debugging Process, then to fix even a small bug, you have to face hours of frustration. So, learning C++ Debugging is very much essential.
It helps if you’re already familiar with how exception handling in C++ works when dealing with unexpected inputs or operations.
What Are Some Common Errors In C++ Language?
Now, before we move ahead with the methods to Debug Common C++ Errors, we have to first know about the Different Types of Common Errors in C++. In this section, we are going to learn about them.
A C++ Error can occur due to different reasons, like Syntax Problems, Logical Mistakes, etc. Based on the reasons, the Common Errors in C++ can be differentiated into 3 major categories.
1. Syntax Errors:
One of the most common errors that most Students commit is Syntax Errors. If the Syntax of any C++ Element is not correct, then this kind of error we have to face is very easy to fix.
We have to identify which line the error is occurring on and based upon that information, we have to figure out the Syntax Issue. Let us understand this with the following C++ Code.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout << “CodingZap Website” // There Is No Semicolon
x = 7; // The X Variable Is Undeclared
return 0;
}
Explanation Of The Errors:
- Here, after “CodingZap Website”, we forgot to mention the Semicolon(;), which will cause an error.
- Also, we are assigning value to the “X” variable, which is not declared with any C++ Datatype.
Error Output:
2. Compilation Errors:
This is the error where the Syntax of the Code is correct, however, we are performing something that is not allowed in C++ Language. That is the reason; such an error occurred in the C++ Programs.
During the Compilation Process of any C++ Code, such issues are marked by the C++ Compiler, and the Code Execution gets stopped. Let us check such errors with the following code.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
int z = “CodingZap”; // We Are Assigning String To Int
double zap = 3.14;
int* one = (int*)zap; // We Are Casting Double To Int
return 0;
}
Explanation Of The Errors:
- Here, we are declaring the “CodingZap” String to a variable “Z” which is declared as an Integer.
- Also, we are trying to cast Double to Int without taking proper measures, which causes errors.
Error Output:
3. Runtime Errors:
These are the errors that are not at all identified by the C++ Compiler. So, these errors pass the Compilation Process but get trapped during the Runtime of the C++ code. These errors are very difficult to find. A classic example is memory leaks—something discussed in our article on memory leaks in C++
In these errors, the Code gets executed, but it doesn’t provide any output. We have to understand the Runtime Error with a wrong Exit Code. Let us understand this with the following program.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
int zap = 10 / 0; // We Are Dividing 10 By Zero
int* ptr = nullptr; // Creating A Null Pointer
*ptr = 5; // We Are Dereferencing A Null Pointer
return 0;
}
Explanation Of The Errors:
- Here, in the “Zap” Variable, we are trying to divide Value 10 by Zero, which causes such errors.
- Also, we are creating Segmentation Faults by dereferencing a Null Pointer.
Error Output:
What Are Some Ways To Debug Common C++ Errors?
Now, we hope different types of Common Errors in CPP have become clear to you. Now, we can move ahead to discuss the central topic of the article, which is the Different Ways to debug CPP Errors.
In this section, we will let you know some effective methods that will help you to remove bugs from C++ code. So, let us check them one by one carefully in the following list.
1. Understanding The Compiler Message:
The very first thing that we have to do to fix any Common CPP Error is to understand the Compiler Message that prompts during the occurrence of any error, like the above examples.
Based on that message, we have to understand what kind of error has occurred at which line number of lines. If we can identify the Type of Error and its reason, half of the work will be done there only.
2. Enabling The Compiler Warnings:
If we are working on any application where we have to look after every small Compiler warning as well, then we have to enable it. This will help to catch bugs even when the program is running successfully.
To Enable Compiler Warnings in any IDE or Online Platforms, we have to open the Compiler Settings and paste the following command there, which will provide warnings for every bad practice.
g++ -Wall –Wextra main.cpp –o main
3. Using A Debugger Tool:
Nowadays, to keep in mind the need for Debugging, every IDE or even Online Compilers come with a Debugging Tool that will find the errors in the code and let you know how to fix them.
In most IDEs or Online Compilers, there is a Debug Button, which we have to click to get the Debug Interface. Using some terms like Break, Next, Run, etc, we have to debug the code.
G++ -g main.cpp –o main
gdb ./main
4. Including Debugging Statements In Code:
If your IDE or Online Compiler doesn’t support the Debugging Tool, then we can do that manually using the Debugging Statements, where we see values and check code flow manually.
We have to do this using the CERR Object, which is used to print Error Messages. Let us check this with the following C++ Code Example.
#include <iostream>
int main()
{
int zap = -5;
if (zap < 0) // Stopping The Negative Values
{
std::cerr << "Error: There Is Some Issue With The Value";
}
return 0;
}
Steps Of The Program:
- At first, in the “Zap” Variable, we will provide a Negative Value.
- Now, using the IF Statement, we will catch all the Negative Values and put the Debugging Statement using the CERR Object.
Output:
5. Using Debugging Tools For Memory Management:
Another important way to Debug Common C++ Errors is by using Debugging Tools like AddressSanitizer or Valgrind. These tools help to address the Memory Management Errors in C++ Language.
In Memory Management Errors, a program executes properly and gives output, but it corrupts the memory, which causes strange behaviors. We can do Memory Debugging using the following command.
g++ -fsanitize=address -g main.cpp -o main
./main
6. Making Code Simple And Modular:
While developing any C++ Application, you have to try to write Simple and Modular C++ code. Try not to include Complex Programming Logic unless they are very important to involve.
Also, try to break the code into Smaller Modules using Classes and Functions. You should provide Comments on each part. This will reduce the chance of any Common C++ Errors.
What Are Some Real-World Applications Of Debugging Common C++ Errors?
Now, if you are thinking that there is no application of Debugging Common CPP Errors, then you are thinking wrong. There are many fields where Debugging C++ Errors plays an important role.
In this section, we will discuss some important Real-world Applications for Debugging Common C++ Errors. So, let us check them.
1. Game Development:
When we are developing any games using the C++ Language, then the use of C++ Error Debugging is highly recommended. It helps to fix Segmentation Faults, Memory Leaks, and Logical Bugs.
When To Use In Real-World Applications:
- C++ Error Debugging is used for any specific actions or scenes where the game is crashing.
- It helps to identify the Resource-intensive Loops and Optimize Memory performance.
2. Embedded Systems:
In Embedded Systems, where Software and Hardware integrations are very important, the Common C++ Error Debugging can be used to save devices from malfunctioning.
When To Use In Real-World Applications:
- The debugging can be used in Firmware for smart devices or Medical Equipment to work properly.
- It helps to resolve the Hardware-Software Communication Protocols.
3. Robotics and Automation:
In the field of Robotics and Automation, the need for C++ Error Debugging is quite high. The C++ Error Debugging ensures that the performance of the Robot and its Automation are working fine.
When To Use In Real-World Applications:
- In Autonomous Robots, debugging helps to remove errors from Navigation Algorithms.
- It helps to remove the Segmentation Faults that can interrupt Automation Workflows.
What Are Some Common Mistakes While Debugging Common C++ Errors?
As we are approaching the end of our discussion, we would like to conclude by stating some Common Mistakes while Debugging Errors in the C++ Language.
These are some Common Mistakes that most students commit. So, understanding them will help you to avoid them when you are debugging your code. Let us have a look below.
- Sometimes, we ignore or misinterpret Compiler Error Messages that cause future implications. So, we never take Compiler Error Messages lightly.
- Sometimes, we fix the bugs but forget to recompile the code to get the latest output. So, we should always recompile the code after every change.
- Occasionally, instead of using a proper Debugger Tool, we rely on the Debugging Statement Method, which is not a good practice. We should use the proper tool for it.
- Sometimes, we remove the Assertions from the code, even before checking the Code Correctness, which is wrong. We have to remove it only when the purpose is fulfilled.
- Sometimes, we forget to check the Memory Usage after debugging the error, which might cause Memory Leaks. So, we have to be careful.
Conclusion:
In the end, we can say it is very important to “Debug Common C++ Errors”.
However, we will advise you to clear the Basics of C++ Programming before starting to learn about Common C++ Error Debugging. Otherwise, you will find some concepts very hard to grasp.
Takeaways:
- Syntax Error, Compilation Error, and Runtime Error are some of the Common C++ Errors.
- To debug any Common C++ Error, we have to first understand the Compiler Error Message.
- Some Debugger Tools like GDB or Valgrind can be used to professionally debug C++ code.
- To manually Debug Common CPP Errors, we can use the Debugging Statement Method.
- To get Runtime Errors in CPP, we can use Assertions for Quick Sanity Checks.
