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The first step in fixing a broken program is getting it to…

“The first step in fixing a broken program is getting it to fail repeatably [on the simplest example possible].” quote by Tom Duff
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“The first step in fixing a broken program is getting it to fail repeatably [on the simplest example possible].”

Tom Duff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Debugging starts by reproducing failure reliably on a simple case.

In simple terms: Reproduce failure simply.

Key Takeaway

Start debugging with repeatable minimal case.

Themes

debugging methodology problem‑solving

Mood

analytical practical

Type

technical educational

When to use this quote

  • coding
  • testing
  • teaching

Key Concepts

software engineering analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you isolate bugs?
  • What simple test reveals the issue?
A Different Perspective

Complex bugs may not simplify.

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