Three Questions About Each Bug You Find (1989)

2 days ago

Every bug is a symptom of an underlying process that needs to be identified and changed.
Ask three key questions when fixing a bug: look for similar patterns, anticipate new issues post-fix, and prevent future bugs by changing methods or tools.
Understand the bug thoroughly by explaining it step-by-step, possibly with a colleague, to uncover underlying patterns and assumptions.
Check for additional surprises in the program state at the time of the bug and keep detailed notes of observations and actions.
Use systematic methods and automated tools for testing and debugging to improve efficiency and catch errors earlier.
Consider redesigning or reimplementing parts of the program if local fixes are becoming too numerous or complex.
Improve communication and documentation to prevent misunderstandings and bugs related to design or team collaboration.
Apply the three questions not only to bugs but also during design reviews and inspections to enhance overall code quality.

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