Debugging: The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding Even the Most Elusive Software and Hardware Problems

The rules of battle for tracking down -- and eliminating -- hardware and software bugs.

When the pressure is on to root out an elusive software or hardware glitch, what's needed is a cool head courtesy of a set of rules guaranteed to work on any system, in any circumstance. Written in a frank but engaging style,Debugging provides simple, foolproof principles guaranteed to help find any bug quickly. This book makes those shelves of application-specific debugging books (on C++, Perl, Java, etc.) obsolete. It changes the way readers think about debugging, making those pesky problems suddenly much easier to find and fix.

Illustrating the rules with real-life bug-detection war stories, the book shows readers how to:

* Understand the system: how perceiving the ""roadmap"" can hasten your journey

* Quit thinking and look: when hands-on investigation can't be avoided

* Isolate critical factors: why changing one element at a time can be an essential tool

* Keep an audit trail: how keeping a record of the debugging process can win the day

David J. Agans (Milford, NH) is a recognized expert called in to help with tough debugging problems. He currently runs PointSource, a computer systems consultancy. He has worked with industrial control and monitoring systems, integrated circuit design, handheld PCs, videoconferencing, and countless other systems.