What does the term 'debugging' refer to?

The term 'debugging' specifically refers to the process of identifying and fixing bugs or errors in code. This crucial activity involves reviewing the code to locate syntactical mistakes, logical errors, and any flaws that may cause the program to behave unexpectedly or fail to execute as intended. Debugging is an essential part of the software development process, as it helps ensure that the final product is functional and reliable.

During debugging, a programmer typically utilizes various tools and techniques such as print statements, debuggers, and logging to trace the program's execution and understand the underlying issues. Once the errors are identified, the programmer can correct them, which may involve modifying existing code or adding new code to improve functionality. By focusing on fixing bugs, developers can enhance the quality and stability of their software before deployment.