Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2211 D684 Introduction to Computer Science Practice Test

Debugging refers to the process of finding and fixing errors, or "bugs," in the code. This is a crucial part of programming because even small mistakes can cause a program to malfunction or behave unexpectedly. During debugging, a programmer reviews code, running tests and using various tools to identify the source of an issue. Once the bugs are located, they are corrected, allowing the program to function as intended. This process is essential for ensuring software reliability and quality, as well as for improving the overall user experience.

In contrast, the creation of new programming languages involves designing and implementing entirely new systems for writing code, which is distinctly different from addressing problems in existing code. Additionally, writing documentation for existing code is about describing how the code works and how to use it, rather than fixing issues. Lastly, code optimization focuses on improving the efficiency and performance of code without necessarily addressing any errors, which also sets it apart from the debugging process.