Fault Localization Models in Debugging

TL;DR

This paper reviews fault localization models in debugging, comparing value-based and dependency-based approaches, discussing their advantages, shortcomings, and implications for software maintenance.

Contribution

It introduces fault localization models using diagnosis theory and provides a comparative analysis of value-based and dependency-based models in debugging.

Findings

Value-based models excel in certain misbehaviors.

Dependency-based models offer insights into complex faults.

Both models have specific advantages and limitations.

Abstract

Debugging is considered as a rigorous but important feature of software engineering process. Since more than a decade, the software engineering research community is exploring different techniques for removal of faults from programs but it is quite difficult to overcome all the faults of software programs. Thus, it is still remains as a real challenge for software debugging and maintenance community. In this paper, we briefly introduced software anomalies and faults classification and then explained different fault localization models using theory of diagnosis. Furthermore, we compared and contrasted between value based and dependencies based models in accordance with different real misbehaviours and presented some insight information for the debugging process. Moreover, we discussed the results of both models and manifested the shortcomings as well as advantages of these models in terms of debugging and maintenance.