The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding Even the Most Elusive Software and Hardware Problems
Overview
The rules of battle for tracking down -- and eliminating -- hardware and
software bugs.
"When the pressure is on to root out an elusive software or hardware
glitch, what's needed is a cool head courtesy of a set of rules
guaranteed to work on any system, in any circumstance. Written in a
frank but engaging style,
Debuggingprovides simple, foolproof
principles guaranteed to help find any bug quickly. This book makes
those shelves of application-specific debugging books (on C++, Perl,
Java, etc.) obsolete. It changes the way readers think about debugging,
making those pesky problems suddenly much easier to find and fix.
Illustrating the rules with real-life bug-detection war stories, the
book shows readers how to:
* Understand the system: how perceiving the ""roadmap"" can hasten your
journey
* Quit thinking and look: when hands-on investigation can't be avoided
* Isolate critical factors: why changing one element at a time can be an
essential tool
* Keep an audit trail: how keeping a record of the debugging process can
win the day"
About the Author
David J. Agans (Milford, NH) is a recognized expert called in to help
with tough debugging problems. He currently runs PointSource, a computer
systems consultancy. He has worked with industrial control and
monitoring systems, integrated circuit design, handheld PCs,
videoconferencing, and countless other systems.
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Table of Contents
"Chapter 1: How Can That Work?
Chapter 2: The Rules -- Suitable for Framing
Chapter 3: Understand The System
Chapter 4: Make It Fail
Chapter 5: Quit Thinking and Look
Chapter 6: Divide and Conquer
Chapter 7: Change One Thing At A Time
Chapter 8: Keep An Audit Trail
Chapter 9: Check The Plug
Chapter 10: Get A Fresh View
Chapter 11: If You Didn't Fix It, It Ain't Fixed
Chapter 12: All The Rules In One Story
Chapter 13: Easy Exercises For The Reader
Chapter 14: The View From The HelpDesk
Chapter 15: The Bottom Line"
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