C.4. Debugging

The compiler can locate and describe syntax errors. The linker can reveal the existence of inconsistencies among program components and give some help as to how to locate them. One of the most challenging aspects to using C++ is learning how to find and fix various kinds of runtime errors.

Runtime errors are logical errors that can exist in a program that is syntactically correct and contains no undefined objects or functions. Effective use of a debugger, a program specifically designed for tracking down runtime errors, can greatly reduce the amount of time spent dealing with these kinds of errors.