Debugging mindset in Intro to Computing - Draw & Build Visually

Draw This - beginner

Draw a flowchart that shows the step-by-step process of debugging a simple program that does not print the expected output.

10 minutes

Hint 1

Hint 2

Hint 3

Grading Criteria

Start and End symbols present

Clear step for identifying the problem

Step for reproducing the error included

Decision diamond for checking if the fix worked

Loop back to code checking if problem persists

Steps arranged in logical order

Solution

  +---------------------+
  |       Start         |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Identify the problem |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Reproduce the error  |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Check the code lines |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Make a small change  |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Test the program     |
  +----------+----------+
             |
             v
  +---------------------+
  | Does it work now?   |
  +----------+----------+
       /           \
      / Yes         \ No
     v               v
+----------+    +---------------------+
|   End    |    | Go back to check    |
+----------+    | the code lines      |
                +----------+----------+
                           |
                           v
                  (loops back to "Make a small change")

This flowchart shows the debugging mindset as a step-by-step process:

1. Start: Begin the debugging process.
2. Identify the problem: Understand what is wrong with the program.
3. Reproduce the error: Run the program to see the error happen.
4. Check the code lines: Look carefully at the code to find possible mistakes.
5. Make a small change: Fix one thing at a time to isolate the problem.
6. Test the program: Run the program again to see if the fix worked.
7. Does it work now?: If yes, end the process. If no, go back to checking the code and try another fix.

This loop continues until the program works correctly.

Variations - 2 Challenges

[intermediate] Draw a flowchart for debugging a program that crashes when opening a file.

[advanced] Draw a detailed flowchart for debugging a program that gives incorrect calculation results, including checking inputs, formulas, and output verification.