What does 'debugging' mean?

Debugging refers to the essential process of identifying, isolating, and fixing errors or bugs within a program. This is a critical step in software development, as it ensures that the code functions as intended and meets the requirements. When developers write a program, it is common for unintended errors to arise, whether due to logical mistakes, syntax errors, or unexpected interactions within the code.

Through debugging, developers use various techniques and tools to monitor the program's execution, trace errors, and make necessary corrections. This process often involves running the program with specific inputs to identify where it fails and understanding the flow of execution to pinpoint the source of the error. Ultimately, effective debugging leads to more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly software, ensuring a better end product.

The other choices focus on different aspects of software development that do not relate to the corrective process of debugging, such as documentation, design phases, or optimizing code for improved performance.