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X-Hacker.org- FiveWin 1.9.2 - January 97 - <b>debugging techniques</b> http://www.X-Hacker.org [<<Previous Entry] [^^Up^^] [Next Entry>>] [Menu] [About The Guide]
 Debugging techniques
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  Based on our own experience programming in Windows with FiveWin (yes!
  we do use FiveWin a lot! <g>) and in the experience of our users we
  want to recommend to you the way to debug your applications:

  1) As Clipper compiles extremely fast and blinker (we recommend blinker)
  is also incredible, we normally compile and link many, many times as often
  as needed. This is our first recommendation: Try every little new part
  of the program you code. You will remember and understand what should
  be the reasons for any incorrect behavior. Don't code large parts of
  your application without testing. Test regularly as much as you need.

  2) Debugging an event system that has been coded with OOPS technology
  is almost impossible using a debugger. You will go crazy just trying
  to follow some easy steps. The debugger is just the last way when you
  are completely lost and most of the times it is not useful!

  3) Use MsgInfo() to place some breakpoints semaphores where you will
  check some values that may confirm what you think the program is
  doing or managing there. 80% of the debugging we do is based on MsgInfo().
  Trace values, check values.

  4) FiveWin generates an Error.log file that may help you to get more
  information about what is happening. Review it! Maybe you will find
  some useful information that will help you.

  5) This is the golden rule: Systematically doubt even what you think
  you are sure about. Bugs are always placed where we could never
  imagine.  Bugs are logic faults, that our brain did not consider. Bugs
  may lose a lot of your precious time. Doubt, check everything but
  don't get fooled!  As soon as you have the feeling there is nothing
  else you can do, go ahead and contact us! Quickly! Don't lose your
  mind!

  6) A professional programmer always has incredible intuition. They do
  not know why, but may be sure about something. Follow your intuition.
  Relax, calm your mind and let your intuition come like magic.
  Intuition is not logic. It comes from the opposite side of the brain
  <g> Don't force it! Go and take a little rest. Maybe when you awake
  the following day you will magically find it! Yes!  ZEN for Fivewin!

  7) We have designed and coded FiveWin! So, for us, it is much easier
  to find a bug. Ask us for help! We could solve in minutes what you may
  need weeks! Also, it may be _our_ fault! So, don't fight with it. Just
  ask us for technical support!


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