Integrated Program Editor and Debugger for Concurrent Software Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional software development processes require programmers to switch between editing and testing modes, leading to inefficiencies and delays in error detection and correction, as testing typically occurs only after code completion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow simultaneous construction and testing of software programs, utilizing a program editor with integrated testing capabilities, enabling tests to be run during code development and providing real-time feedback on errors, with features like breakpoints for debugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If programmers switch between editing and testing modes to complete program construction and testing sequentially, then testing can be performed thoroughly, but development time and error detection delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the program editor and debugger into a single integrated development environment. The editor and debugger share the same user interface and run concurrently, allowing programmers to write code and execute tests without switching modes. This integration eliminates the sequential workflow where testing could only occur after complete program construction, enabling continuous testing during development and thereby reducing overall development time while maintaining testing thoroughness.
2Device complexity
If programmers use traditional sequential testing after code completion, then the program structure remains simple, but error detection and correction are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated debugger allows tests to be executed preliminarily during the code writing process itself, rather than waiting until completion. Programmers can run tests on partial code, detect errors immediately when they are introduced, and correct them on the spot. This preliminary testing action during development significantly reduces error detection delay compared to traditional post-completion testing, while the integration is achieved through software architecture rather than hardware complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If programmers switch between editing and testing environments, then each mode can be optimized independently, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated development environment implements multi-functionality where the same interface and environment support both program editing and debugging operations. The debugger is designed to work seamlessly with the editor, sharing data structures, syntax highlighting, and user interface elements. This universal environment maintains the optimization benefits of specialized tools while eliminating the need to switch between separate applications, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency and programmer productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for concurrently constructing and testing a software program is provided. The method includes interacting with a program editor that allows a user to construct the program, and testing the program during construction of the program to produce a test result.