1.4 College Board Video Notes

1.4.1

Errors are innevitable in programming
In errors in an algorithm or program, there are 4 types of errors:
- Logic Error:A mistake in the algorithm that causes it behave incorrectly or unexpectedly
- Syntax Error: A mistake in the program where the rules in the programming language are not followed
- Run-time error: Mistake in the program that occurs during the excecution of the program. Dependent on the language. Usually refered to as a bug.
- Overflow error: error that occurs when a computer attempts to handle a number that is outside of the defined range of values.

Understanding how to correct errors is essential to programming
Best ways to correct errors
- Test cases
- Hand tracing
- Visualizations
- Debuggers
- adding extra output statements.
The syntax error is usually the easiest error to fix
- it tells the programmer which line and what the error was.
Logic errors are difficult to find and fix.

Programmers should come up with testing schemes to ensure that their program works.
- Identify inputs and correspondng exprected outputs or behaviors check the correctness of the algorithm or program.
Defined inputs used to test a program should demonstrate the different exprected outcomes that are at or just beyond the min and max of input data
Program requirements identify appropriate defined inputs for testing.
As soon as they start programming, they should constantly be testing.