#C Compilers: which one?
7 messages in this thread
printfs, in that context, are the same type of crutch – just less convenient.
For that reason, you're more likely to think it thru than depend on them.
Perhaps there are times when a debugger is absolutely necessary. Luckily, in
all the years I've been writing c, whihc includes device drivers, telecomm,
image processing, cad/cam, system utilities, remote control software,
diagnostics, HD formatters, assemblers in the mass of stuff I've written, I've
never run into a situation where a debugger was "absolutely necessary".
Just lucky, I guess. :*)
–Ben-
I think one of the reasons they're absolutely necessary is when you're working
with a massive amount of code, that many people have written. (Like an OS).
Having complete control over a piece of code from beginning to end makes it
easier to understand where things might be going wrong. Unfortunately, it isn't
always possible.
I suppose debugging someone else's disk driver or ethernet driver could be done
without a debugger, but it would take a lot longer than I or my bosses would be
willing to have me spend. 🙂
Steve
That's an excellent point – not a situation I've ever been in, really –
luckily.
I'll have to keep that in mind when I decry debuggers! <grin>
–Ben-
Expediency has its virtues Ben. Join the cutting edge of the symbolic debugger
era 🙂
Dave @OTG
I'd rather stay within the sparsely populated group that understands what it is
they have written, Dave.
I've found that expediency usually bites you quite hard after letting you rest
just long enough to forget what you've written.
–Ben-
I can't believe what I've started with a simple question! As the thread
has definitely wandered, time to shut off the C section from Whap!
— Ethan
Hehe… these are the risks we all take, Ethan. 😉
By the way… did you ever get your answer? 8D
Rick