noun

debugger

dee-BUG-uhr

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Debugger (noun) means a computer program that helps someone test and fix other software by letting them run it step by step, set breakpoints and inspect variable values. Example: “She stepped through the function in the debugger to find where the value went wrong.”

noun

A computer program that helps someone test and fix other software by letting them run it step by step, set breakpoints and inspect variable values.

"She stepped through the function in the debugger to find where the value went wrong."

"He set a breakpoint in the debugger before running the script again."

"The IDE comes with a built-in debugger for tracing errors."

How to use debugger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tool programmers use to pause and inspect code while it runs, to track down what's going wrong.

When to use it

Debugger is a technical term used in programming and software development contexts.

Memory tip

Think of a debugger as a way to pause a running program and look inside it, rather than just reading the finished code.

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Common pairings

step through the debugger set a breakpoint in the debugger attach a debugger built-in debugger

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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She stepped through the function in the _____ to find where the value went wrong.

Etymology

Debugger is formed from the verb debug with the agent suffix -er, giving the sense of a tool that does the debugging.

Origin: English

Rhymes for debugger

bugger mugger hugger chugger slugger

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Frequently asked questions

What is a debugger in programming?

A debugger is a program that lets a developer run another program step by step, pause it at set points and check the values of variables to find and fix errors.

What does a debugger do that print statements can't?

A debugger lets you pause execution at a chosen line, inspect the live state of variables and step through code one line at a time, rather than only seeing values you thought to print in advance.

Is a debugger part of an IDE?

Many development environments include a built-in debugger, though standalone debuggers also exist and can be attached to a running program.

What is the meaning of debugger?

"debugger" (noun) means a computer program that helps someone test and fix other software by letting them run it step by step, set breakpoints and inspect variable values.