9. Common Debugging Tips

9.1 Compilation Errors

1. Missing semicolons: Add ; at the end of statements
2. Undeclared variables: Declare variables before using them
3. Type mismatches: Ensure compatible types in assignments (this mostly happens in function parameters or calling, we will learn more about this on the next module)
4. Missing headers: Include necessary header files

9.2 Runtime Errors

1. Segmentation faults: Check array bounds and pointer usage.
   • this error is the hardest part when it comes to debugging because its highly related to a wrong memory allocation or pointer usage such as accessing an unaccessible variable or array index. We will learn more about this in the next module
2. Infinite loops: Verify loop conditions and increment/decrement
3. Wrong output: Check format specifiers in printf/scanf

9.3 Debugging Techniques

// Add debug prints to trace program execution
printf("Debug: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);

// Check intermediate results
int temp = a + b;
printf("Intermediate result: %d\n", temp);
int result = temp * c;